NEW DELHI: The ministry of home affairs on Thursday announced that President’s Rule has been imposed in Manipur. This came days after Manipur CM Biren Singh tendered his resignation to the governor of the state.
“Whereas, I, Droupadi Murmu. President of India, have received a report from the Governor of the State of Manipur and 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 released by the MHA read.
” 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 —(a) 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 further added.
President’s Rule, imposed under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, allows the Centre to take control when a state government fails to function constitutionally. Under this rule, state powers are transferred to the Centre, and legislative functions shift to Parliament, though high courts remain unaffected. Since 1950, President’s Rule has been imposed 134 times across 29 states and Union Territories. Manipur and Uttar Pradesh have seen it most frequently, while Jammu & Kashmir holds the record for the longest duration, over 12 years.
On Sunday, Biren Singh had submitted his resignation letter to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Raj Bhavan in Imphal. Singh, who headed the BJP government in the state, stepped down following ongoing political developments, and violence in the state.
The ethnic violence that erupted in 2023 between the Meitei community and Kuki-Zo tribes resulted in over 250 deaths and mass displacement. Manipur’s inability to control the unrest raised concerns about CM Singh’s leadership. In December 2024, Singh had publicly apologised for the violence and called for reconciliation, urging communities to forgive past mistakes and rebuild peace in the state.
Congress had strongly criticised resignation of Biren Singh, accusing him of instigating division in the state. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi blamed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allowing Singh to remain in office despite growing unrest. Gandhi said that Singh’s resignation came after mounting public pressure, a Supreme Court investigation, and a planned no-confidence motion by Congress.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh claimed Singh resigned due to the impending no-confidence motion, asserting that he no longer had majority support. Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the delayed resignation, stating it came “after the horse had bolted”. Kharge also urged Modi to visit Manipur and hear the people’s “stories of horror.”