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

This is not the first time Manipur has faced direct central rule. The last instance was from June 2, 2001, to March 6, 2002, lasting 277 days

The central government has imposed President’s Rule in Manipur, marking a significant political shift in the conflict-ridden state. The move comes after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned on February 9, 2025, and the ruling BJP failed to appoint a successor.

This move has raised several questions: Why was it imposed? How does President’s Rule work? What are its advantages and drawbacks? Here’s a complete breakdown of the situation.

Why Was President’s Rule Imposed?
The decision to impose President’s Rule came days of political uncertainty, with the ruling BJP unable to decide on a new Chief Minister.
A notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs said President Droupadi Murmu is of the opinion that “a situation has arisen in which the government of that state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. 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 – 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 that State.”

How Does President’s Rule Work?
Under Article 356, when a state fails to function constitutionally, the President (on the advice of the Union Government) imposes direct central rule. Here is how it works:
1.Governor Takes Charge : The state’s powers are transferred to the Governor, who acts on behalf of the President.
2.State Assembly is Suspended or Dissolved : In Manipur’s case, the Vidhan Sabha is suspended, and legislative powers shift to Parliament.
3.No Major Decisions : No new policies, financial projects, or developmental programs can be implemented.
4.Elections Within 6 Months : The Election Commission must conduct elections unless an extension is granted.

Pros & Cons of President’s Rule
Pros:
It helps bring governance back on track when state politics fail.
With no party in power, governance becomes less politically driven.
The Centre can focus on security and crisis management.
It gives political parties time to reorganize and form alliances.

Cons:
Under President’s Rule, elected representatives lose power, limiting state autonomy.
No major policy decisions or new projects can be initiated.
The state is run by bureaucrats, who may lack local understanding.
If elections are delayed, uncertainty and instability can grow.

What’s Next for Manipur?
With President’s Rule in place, governance will continue under the Governor and the Union Government, while political parties gear up for new elections. The coming months will determine whether Manipur moves towards political stability or prolonged central rule.

Manipur’s History with President’s Rule
This is not the first time Manipur has faced direct central rule. The last instance was from June 2, 2001, to March 6, 2002, lasting 277 days, due to political instability. In that case, Parliament approved the move through a voice vote, and elections were held in February 2002 to restore democratic governance.

Also Read: Manipur CM N Biren Singh Resigns Amid BJP MLAs’ Revolt

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