Congress Criticizes Imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur

The Indian National Congress has strongly opposed the recent imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur, describing it as an unprecedented and unfortunate move. This decision follows the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh amid ongoing ethnic conflicts and political instability in the state. ​

Understanding the Imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur

Manipur has been grappling with ethnic conflicts between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 2023, resulting in over 200 fatalities and significant displacement. The situation led to the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh on February 9, 2025. Subsequently, the central government imposed President’s Rule on February 13, 2025, placing the state assembly under suspended animation. ​Telegraph India+2The Indian Express+2www.ndtv.com+2

Congress’s Stance on the Imposition

The Congress party has been vocal in its criticism of the central government’s decision. Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka, All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge, labeled the move as “unprecedented and unfortunate,” emphasizing that it occurred despite the presence of 55 elected MLAs in the state assembly. He argued that this reflects the BJP-led government’s failure to govern effectively and to foster dialogue among communities amid the ongoing conflict. ​India Today NE

Historical Context of President’s Rule in Manipur

This marks the 11th instance of President’s Rule in Manipur since 1951. The last imposition occurred from June 2, 2001, to March 6, 2002. The frequent recourse to central rule highlights the state’s recurring challenges in maintaining stable governance. ​www.ndtv.comTelegraph India

Political Reactions and Implications

Congress leaders have expressed concern over the deteriorating situation in Manipur. Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary, noted that the imposition of President’s Rule came after what the Supreme Court termed “the absolute breakdown of constitutional machinery in the state.” He criticized the BJP and its allies for their role in the crisis, highlighting the failure of the Union Home Minister and the Prime Minister’s absence in addressing the state’s issues. ​Telegraph India+1www.ndtv.com+1

Conclusion

The imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur has drawn significant criticism from the Congress party, which views it as indicative of the central government’s failure to manage the state’s complex ethnic and political challenges. The situation underscores the need for effective governance and dialogue to restore stability and address the underlying issues in Manipur.​

FAQs

1. What led to the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur? The imposition was primarily due to ongoing ethnic conflicts between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, resulting in significant casualties and displacement, and the subsequent resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh.
2. How has the Congress party reacted to this development? The Congress has criticized the move as unprecedented and indicative of the BJP-led government’s failure to govern effectively and address the state’s issues.
3. How many times has President’s Rule been imposed in Manipur? This is the 11th instance since 1951, with the last occurrence from 2001 to 2002.
4. What are the implications of President’s Rule for Manipur’s governance? Under President’s Rule, the state is governed directly by the central government, with the state assembly placed under suspended animation.
5. What steps are being suggested to address the situation in Manipur? The Congress emphasizes the need for effective governance, dialogue among communities, and the implementation of welfare schemes and development projects to restore stability.