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President’s rule was imposed in strife-torn Manipur and the state assembly put under suspended animation, days after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned from his post that led to political uncertainty in the northeastern state.
The Manipur assembly, which has a tenure till 2027, has been put under suspended animation, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Singh, who was heading the Bharatiya Janata Party government in Manipur, resigned as chief minister after nearly 21 months of ethnic violence that has claimed over 250 lives so far.
He resigned on February 9 and submitted his resignation to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla in Imphal, hours after his meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah here.
The decision to impose the central rule was taken after the governor sent a report to President Droupadi Murmu.
“After considering the report and other information received by me, I am satisfied that a situation has arisen in which the government of that state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of India,” the notification said.
It further said: “Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by article 356 of the Constitution, and of all other powers enabling me in that behalf, I hereby proclaim that I – assume to myself as President of India all functions of the government of the state of Manipur and all powers vested in or exercisable by the Governor of the that state”.
The notification said powers of the legislature of the state shall be exercisable by or under the authority of Parliament.
It also said any reference in the Constitution to the governor shall, in relation to Manipur be construed as a reference to the President.
The decision to impose the President’s rule by the BJP-led Centre came as the party failed to have a consensus chief ministerial candidate despite having several rounds of discussions between party’s northeast in-charge Sambit Patra and party legislators.
Patra had met Bhalla a few times before Thursday’s decision by the central government that comes at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in the US.
The governor has already declared the seventh session of the 12th Manipur legislative assembly, which was set to commence on February 10, as null and void.
The last session of the assembly in the restive state concluded on August 12, 2024.
On President’s Rule imposed in Manipur while speaking to ANI , Congress MP and General Secretary in charge of Communications Jairam Ramesh said , “On the 10th of February, the Congress was bringing a no-confidence motion. They knew that the chief minister had lost the confidence of even his own BJP colleagues and NDA colleagues. So, the chief minister was forced to resign on the 9th of February. Then, within six months from the previous session to the next session, you have to call the next session within six months, that was violated yesterday. And today, they’ve announced the President’s Rule… Let’s see, we will talk to our party colleagues; we’ll have internal meetings; whether we should demand midterm polls in Manipur or not remains to be seen. We’ll have to discuss this. But immediately our demand is Prime Minister must visit Manipur…”
