President’s Rule Imposed in Manipur Amid Political Crisis

Why the news?

The President’s Rule was imposed in Manipur on February 15, 2025, following Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s resignation and continued ethnic violence. The State Assembly remains under suspended animation, as BJP failed to finalize an alternative leadership.

President’s Rule Imposed in Manipur Amid Political Crisis

Imposition of President’s Rule:

  • President Droupadi Murmu imposed President’s Rule in Manipur on February 15, 2025, following a report from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla.
  • The decision came four days after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s resignation due to a prolonged political crisis.
  • The Manipur Legislative Assembly is under suspended animation, meaning it has not been dissolved.
  • The order was issued right after the first half of the Budget Session concluded in Parliament.

Political Uncertainty & Ethnic Violence

  • The BJP leadership in Manipur failed to find a replacement for Biren Singh, leading to political instability.
  • Ethnic clashes between Kuki-Zo tribes and Meitei communities, which began on May 3, 2023, have resulted in over 250 deaths and the displacement of nearly 60,000 people.
  • Singh warned about illegal immigration from Myanmar, stating it posed a threat to Manipur’s identity and resources.

Historical Context & Reactions

  • This is the 11th instance of President’s Rule in Manipur; previous impositions ranged from 66 days (1967) to over two years (1969-72).
  • The Congress had been demanding President’s Rule for nearly 20 months, and party leader Jairam Ramesh welcomed the move.
  • The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) preferred President’s Rule over a mere change in leadership, citing deep-rooted governance failures.

Article 356 of the Indian Constitution (President’s Rule):

  • Empowers the President to impose central rule in a state if governance fails as per constitutional provisions.
  • Articles 355-357 & 365 provide the constitutional basis.
  • Procedure: Governor’s report → Presidential proclamation → Parliamentary approval within 2 months.
  • Duration: 6 months, extendable to 3 years with conditions.
  • Reasons: Political instability, no-confidence vote, delayed elections, etc.
  • History: Imposed 134 times; J&K (12+ years), Punjab (10+ years), Puducherry (7+ years).
  • S.R. Bommai Case (1994): Allowed judicial review, reinforced federalism, and mandated material justification.