How Many Times Has Manipur Experienced President’s Rule? What Led to the Latest PR in Manipur?

With the state now under President’s Rule, political uncertainty looms large.

By Moirangthem Nganbarel

President’s Rule has been imposed in Manipur once again, marking yet another instance in the state’s political history. Following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh on February 9 and the failure to appoint a new CM, the President of India issued Order No. G.S.R. 135(E) on February 13, 2025, under Article 356 of the Constitution. As per this order, the functions of the Manipur government and powers vested in the Governor have now been assumed by the President, with the Governor continuing to exercise executive authority under the President’s superintendence.

The Manipur Legislative Assembly has been placed under suspended animation, and security has been tightened across the state. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla also met with the IG of CRPF at Raj Bhavan yesterday to discuss the security situation.

Why Was President’s Rule Imposed?

Manipur has been grappling with a severe crisis since May 3, 2023. The violence that erupted claimed over 250 lives, left thousands injured, and displaced around 60,000 people, many of whom are still living in relief camps and prefabricated houses.

The crisis fueled political instability, with 10 Kuki MLAs from the Manipur Legislative Assembly consistently demanding the removal of CM N Biren Singh, accusing him of mishandling the law and order situation. Several BJP MLAs and ministers also revolted, pressing for a leadership change. Adding to the turmoil, the National People’s Party (NPP), an ally of the BJP, withdrew its support from the government.

Despite these demands, the central government retained Biren Singh as CM for nearly 21 months. However, in an unexpected turn of events, he resigned on February 9, just hours before the state’s Budget Session, scheduled for February 10. The Congress party had also planned to move a no-confidence motion against the government during the session.

On February 8, Biren Singh flew to New Delhi, where he met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the morning of February 9. Following this meeting, he returned to Imphal accompanied by BJP North East in-charge Sambit Patra. Upon his arrival, Singh, along with his cabinet colleagues and MLAs, proceeded to Raj Bhavan to submit his resignation. BJP State President A. Sharda and Sambit Patra were also present during this process.

Sambit Patra remained stationed in Imphal after the resignation and held one-on-one meetings with ruling party MLAs to decide on a new CM. However, despite several speculations, no consensus was reached, leading to the imposition of President’s Rule. Reports suggest that Z-plus security was provided to Sambit Patra during his stay in Imphal.

President’s Rule is not new to Manipur. Here are the past instances:

12 January 1967 – 19 March 1967 (66 days): First Elections to Manipur Union Territory Assembly held.

25 October 1967 – 18 February 1968 (116 days): Short-lived ministry collapsed due to the Speaker’s resignation, leading to a hung Assembly.

17 October 1969 – 22 March 1972 (2 years, 157 days): Violent secessionist insurgency and statehood demands led to law and order breakdown.

28 March 1973 – 3 March 1974 (340 days): President’s Rule imposed despite opposition having a tenuous majority.

16 May 1977 – 28 June 1977 (43 days): Government collapsed due to defections.

14 November 1979 – 13 January 1980 (60 days): Janata Party government dismissed over internal discontent and corruption charges.

28 February 1981 – 18 June 1981 (110 days): Government fell due to defections; alternate government deemed unstable.

7 January 1992 – 7 April 1992 (91 days): Coalition government collapsed due to defections.

31 December 1993 – 13 December 1994 (347 days): Naga-Kuki clashes and continued violence resulted in President’s Rule.

2 June 2001 – 6 March 2002 (277 days): Government lost majority.

The longest period of President’s Rule in Manipur lasted from 17 October 1969 to 22 March 1972 (2 years, 157 days).

What Lies Ahead for Manipur?

With the state now under President’s Rule, political uncertainty looms large. The BJP’s inability to present a new leader raises questions about the party’s internal stability. As tensions persist, the focus remains on restoring peace, addressing the humanitarian crisis, and ensuring governance continuity in Manipur.

Also Read: President’s Rule Imposed in Manipur: How It Works, and Its Pros & Cons

COMMENTS