Reason for Imposition: The decision to impose President’s Rule followed the resignation of Manipur’s Chief Minister, N. Biren Singh, on February 9, 2025. The state has been experiencing significant ethnic violence, leading to speculation about the governance crisis. The BJP could not reach a consensus on a new Chief Minister, leading to this action.
Process: The imposition of President’s Rule was enacted under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, which allows for the central government to take over the administration of a state if it is deemed that the state government cannot function according to constitutional provisions. The Manipur Assembly has been put under suspended animation, meaning it is not dissolved but its activities are paused.
Administration: During President’s Rule, the state is administered by the Governor of Manipur, who acts under the direction of the central government. This includes managing all state functions except for the judiciary, which remains independent.
Political Context: There was significant speculation around whether President’s Rule would be imposed, with debates on whether it was necessary given the ongoing ethnic conflicts. Opposition parties had previously demanded the imposition due to the perceived failure of the state government to manage the situation. However, the BJP had resisted imposing President’s Rule, viewing it as a last resort, especially since Manipur has a BJP-led government.
Historical Context: Manipur has a history of President’s Rule, having been imposed 10 times since 1949, with the last instance before this being from June 2001 to March 2002. This reflects a pattern of central intervention due to political instability or security crises.
Current Implications: The imposition might aim to stabilize the region by ensuring neutral governance amidst ethnic tensions. However, it also brings into question the political strategy of the BJP, especially how they manage their governance in states with volatile situations.