President's Rule Imposed in Manipur: Political Crisis and Ethnic Violence Lead to Central Takeover

The northeastern state of Manipur has been placed under President's Rule after months of political uncertainty and nearly two years of ethnic violence. This decision came days after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh tendered his resignation on February 9, 2025, amid growing internal dissent within the ruling भारतीय जनता पार्टी (भाजपा) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and an impending no-confidence motion by the opposition Congress.

Political Unrest and the Fall of the Government

Biren Singh, who led the BJP government in Manipur, faced mounting pressure as his administration struggled to handle the deepening ethnic divide between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The ongoing violence, which began in May 2023, resulted in over 250 deaths and the displacement of thousands. The inability to restore peace, coupled with political infighting, led to the collapse of the state government.

The BJP’s efforts to name a successor to Biren Singh failed, leaving the state in a leadership vacuum. With no consensus within the party and increasing pressure from the opposition, the central government had little choice but to invoke Article of the Constitution, bringing the state under direct rule from New Delhi.

Implications of Presidents Rule

With the imposition of President's Rule, the state legislative assembly has been placed in suspension, and the Governor will now oversee administration on behalf of the President of India. This move effectively transfers all executive powers to the central government, allowing it to take necessary actions to restore normalcy.

The decision to impose President’s Rule is a reflection of the complex challenges Manipur faces, from political instability to ethnic conflicts that have deeply fractured society. While the central government aims to restore order, the effectiveness of this intervention remains uncertain. The people of Manipur now await the next steps, whether it be fresh elections or renewed efforts at reconciliation.

The Road Ahead

The imposition of President’s Rule is expected to be a temporary measure, but its duration will depend on the evolving situation in the state. With law and order at stake, all eyes will be on how the central government handles the crisis and whether peace can be restored before a new leadership takes charge.

What is President's Rule in India under Article 356

Here are some short questions:

General Understanding

1. What is President’s Rule, and under which article of the Indian Constitution is it imposed?
   • It is the suspension of a state government and imposition of direct central rule under Article.
2. Why was President’s Rule imposed in Manipur in February 2025?
   • Due to political instability, CM Biren Singh’s resignation, and failure to elect a new leader.
3. What were the key reasons behind Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s resignation?
   • BJP’s internal conflicts, an impending no-confidence motion, and ongoing ethnic violence.
4. How does President’s Rule affect the governance of a state?
   • The state government is dissolved, and administration is taken over by the central government.
5. What role does the Governor play when President’s Rule is in effect?
   • The Governor acts on behalf of the President to manage state affairs.

Political & Social Impact

1. How did the internal conflicts within the BJP contribute to the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur?
   • BJP leaders failed to agree on a new CM, leading to a political deadlock.
2. What were the major challenges faced by the Manipur government in handling the ethnic violence?
   • Clashes between Meitei and Kuki communities, security issues, and displacement of people.
3. How did the opposition react to the political crisis in Manipur?
   • Congress planned a no-confidence motion, criticizing BJP’s failure to govern.
4. What are the possible consequences of prolonged President’s Rule in the state?
   • Delay in elections, central control over policies, and potential unrest among people.
5. How can political stability be restored in Manipur after President’s Rule?

• By conducting fresh elections and addressing ethnic tensions effectively.

Legal & Constitutional Aspects

1. What are the constitutional provisions for lifting President’s Rule from a state?

• It can be revoked by the President or replaced by an elected government.

1. Can the imposition of President’s Rule in a state be challenged in court?

• Yes, if it is seen as unconstitutional or politically motivated.

1. What are some past instances of President’s Rule being imposed in Indian states?

• Punjab (1987-1992), Jammu & Kashmir (2018-2019), and Maharashtra (2019).

1. How does President’s Rule impact the functioning of local governance in a state?

• Local bodies continue, but major decisions are made by the central government.

1. What checks and balances exist to prevent the misuse of President’s Rule?

• The Supreme Court can review it, and Parliament must approve it within two months.

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