Following the resignation of Manipur’s Chief Minister N. Biren Singh amid ongoing violence, President’s Rule has been imposed in the northeastern state of India. According to a report by NDTV, President’s Rule was announced on Thursday evening.
The report states that for nearly two years, violence had plagued Manipur. On Sunday, N. Biren Singh resigned from his position as Chief Minister after internal leadership disputes within the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This created a constitutional crisis in the state. Fearing defeat in a possible no-confidence motion from the opposition Congress party, Biren Singh stepped down just days before President’s Rule was imposed on Thursday.
Since 1951, this marks the 11th time President’s Rule has been enforced in the northeastern state of Manipur. In an official order issued from President Droupadi Murmu’s office, it was stated that after receiving a report from the state’s Governor, Ajay Valla, and considering other information, it was determined that the state government could not function as per the Constitution of India due to the prevailing situation.
The BJP, unable to reach a consensus on a new Chief Minister, failed to convene a legislative session, prompting the central government to take this step. The political discord within the BJP and the possibility of a no-confidence vote against the state government in the legislature led to Biren Singh’s resignation on Sunday evening.
Although the National People’s Party (NPP), led by Conrad Sangma, withdrew its support from the state government, BJP still held a majority in the assembly. However, due to the growing internal opposition within the party, there was concern that BJP legislators might support a no-confidence motion against Biren Singh. This created a situation where the Chief Minister decided to step down.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently on a visit to the United States, was expected to make a decision on the next Chief Minister upon his return. However, President’s Rule was imposed on Sunday evening before his return to the country.
Manipur has been in a state of unrest for nearly two years. The violence escalated in May 2023 due to protests between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. In September, clashes reignited between the Meitei and Kuki groups, leading to widespread violence across the state. Several homes of legislators, including the Chief Minister’s, were attacked by angry mobs.
To control the situation, curfews were imposed in five districts of the state, and internet services were suspended. The conflict between the two ethnic groups has resulted in the deaths of over 200 people.