President’s Rule imposed in Manipur days after Biren Singh’s resignation
On February 13, 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur, days after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned. President Droupadi Murmu made the proclamation, stating she was satisfied that the government could not function in accordance with the Constitution of India.
The decision to impose President’s Rule came after N. Biren Singh’s resignation and the failure to form an alternative government. The Manipur assembly will remain in suspended animation, allowing for the possibility of forming a government if an alternative emerges. Assembly elections in Manipur are due in February 2027.
Several factors contributed to this decision:
Failure to Name Successor: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was unable to name a new leader for the Chief Minister’s post. Sambit Patra, the BJP’s northeast in-charge, held discussions with MLAs but failed to reach a consensus.
Constitutional Deadline: Manipur’s assembly had to be convened no later than six months after its last sitting, which was August 12, 2024. The budget session, expected to begin on February 10, was postponed indefinitely after the Chief Minister and his council resigned.
Ethnic Violence: Manipur has been experiencing ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 2023, which has caused over 200 deaths. There is an assessment that placing Manipur under President’s rule will help in creating a neutral setting for talks between Meitei and Kuki-Zo leaders to sort out issues creating mutual mistrust.
Under President’s Rule, the Governor becomes the executive head, administering the state on behalf of the President, acting on the advice of the Union Council of Ministers. The President’s Rule can last for six months at a time and can be extended up to three years with Parliamentary approval every six months.
