In a significant political shift, President's Rule has been imposed in Manipur just four days after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned from his position. The Ministry of Home Affairs announced the decision on February 13, stating that the state assembly would be placed under suspended animation due to ongoing ethnic violence that has plagued the region since May 2023.
President Droupadi Murmu's decision followed a report from Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, indicating that the state's government could not function in accordance with constitutional provisions. This move effectively transfers the powers of the state government to the central government, with Parliament now overseeing legislative functions.
The BJP-led government in Manipur collapsed after Singh's resignation on February 9, which came amid increasing political instability and threats of a no-confidence motion from the opposition Congress party. Attempts by the BJP to identify a successor for Singh were unsuccessful, leading to the imposition of President's Rule as a means to restore order.
Manipur has experienced severe ethnic conflict primarily between the Meitei community and Kuki-Zomi tribes, resulting in over 200 fatalities and displacing approximately 60,000 individuals. The imposition of President's Rule can last up to six months and may lead to fresh elections if deemed necessary by the central government.