Imphal (National Times): The central government has imposed President’s Rule in Manipur, following the resignation of N Biren Singh as Chief Minister and the failure to reach a consensus on his successor even after three days.
The decision comes in light of constitutional obligations under Article 174(1), which requires state Assemblies to convene within six months of their last sitting. Manipur’s last Assembly session was held on August 12, 2024, making February 14 the deadline for its next sitting.
However, Governor Ajay Bhalla cancelled the Budget session, which was originally scheduled to begin on Monday, further deepening the political uncertainty.
Biren Singh’s resignation on Sunday came just ahead of a crucial no-confidence motion and a floor test, which could have led to an open political battle in the Assembly. His departure follows nearly two years of ethnic violence that began in May 2023, along with persistent demands from the opposition for his removal.
With the imposition of the President’s Rule, the state administration now falls directly under the control of the central government, while efforts continue to find a suitable replacement for the chief ministerial post.
