In a significant political development, the Union government imposed President’s Rule in Manipur on Thursday, just days after N Biren Singh resigned as Chief Minister. The decision comes amid continued ethnic violence and political instability in the northeastern state.
Political Turmoil and Biren Singh’s Resignation
Manipur, which has been under a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government, witnessed a major shake-up when National People’s Party (NPP) leader Conrad Sangma withdrew his party’s support in November 2024. The withdrawal weakened the BJP’s position, leading to increased calls for a change in leadership.
Under mounting political pressure, including a possible no-confidence motion and a floor test initiated by the Congress-led Opposition, Biren Singh submitted his resignation on February 9. Singh formally handed over his resignation letter to Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Raj Bhavan, accompanied by senior BJP leaders and MLAs.
“It has been an honour to serve the people of Manipur thus far. I am extremely grateful to the central government for timely actions, interventions, developmental work, and implementation of various projects for safeguarding the interests of every single Manipuri,” Singh stated in his resignation letter.
BJP’s Failed Attempts at Consensus
Following Singh’s resignation, the BJP attempted to build consensus for his successor but failed to secure unified support within the party. Meanwhile, strong demands from political opposition, including the Congress, and various civil society groups intensified the calls for President’s Rule.
Despite the NPP’s withdrawal, the BJP still held a comfortable majority in the 60-member Manipur Assembly, with 32 seats and additional backing from five MLAs of the Naga People’s Front and six from the JD(U). However, reports indicated that internal disagreements among BJP legislators complicated the leadership transition.
Ethnic Violence and Government Scrutiny
Manipur has been reeling under ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 2023, which has resulted in the deaths of more than 250 people and the displacement of thousands. The BJP-led government has been widely criticized for its handling of the crisis, with opposition leaders and civil society groups blaming inadequate government intervention for the escalating violence.
Despite the turmoil, Biren Singh had reassured the public of his administration’s commitment to restoring peace. “The state government has been making all possible efforts to restore peace and to ensure that people live together peacefully as before,” he asserted a day before his resignation.
Future of Manipur’s Governance
With President’s Rule now in effect, Manipur enters a critical political phase. The dissolution of the state government and the assumption of executive authority by the central government will have significant ramifications on governance and security in the region.
As the state heads into this uncertain period, political analysts are closely watching the BJP’s next move and the emergence of new leadership. The upcoming Assembly session, scheduled for February 10, is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of Manipur’s governance.
The imposition of President’s Rule underscores the deepening crisis in Manipur, highlighting the urgent need for effective governance and conflict resolution in the strife-torn state.
