The Congress has opposed the extension of President’s Rule in Manipur, calling it undemocratic and a failure of BJP leadership. With ongoing ethnic violence and a political vacuum since February, the move is seen as a reflection of governance failure amid growing demands for restoration of democratic rule.
The Opposition Congress on Friday strongly opposed the Union Government’s decision to extend President’s Rule in Manipur, calling it a direct assault on the democratic values of the country. The party asserted that the people of the strife-torn state do not want continued central rule and accused the BJP-led governments at the Centre and state of complete failure in restoring normalcy.
Addressing a press conference, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) President and MLA Keisham Meghachandra Singh said, “The double-engine governments—both at the Centre and in the state—have utterly failed to handle the Manipur situation. The extension of President’s Rule proves the BJP’s inability to bring governance back to the state.”
Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 13, 2025, following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh amid ongoing ethnic tensions and law-and-order issues. Four days after his resignation, the Centre invoked Article 356 of the Constitution, citing the inability to maintain governance in the wake of widespread violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.
Since May 2023, Manipur has been rocked by ethnic clashes that have claimed over 260 lives and displaced more than 60,000 people across various districts. Despite the BJP having sufficient numbers in the 60-member Manipur Assembly, the party has failed to elect a new leader and form a government for months.
“The continuance of President’s Rule due to internal law and order issues is unprecedented,” Singh said. “It was supposed to be a temporary measure aimed at restoring peace and facilitating governance. Instead, the BJP’s internal leadership crisis has left the state leaderless.”
He further alleged that the Centre is using President’s Rule as a crutch because there is no suitable leader from the BJP to take charge of the state. “This extension is not about ensuring peace; it’s about political indecision and mismanagement. The people of Manipur do not want President’s Rule. They want accountable governance,” Singh added.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has already initiated the process to extend President’s Rule in the state for another six months beginning August 13. A statutory resolution to this effect has been moved by Home Minister Amit Shah in the Rajya Sabha. The resolution has been admitted by the chair and is expected to be taken up for discussion next week.
“Amit Shah, Minister of Home Affairs, has given a notice of the resolution which seeks approval for the continuance of the Proclamation dated February 13, 2025, for a further period of six months,” the Rajya Sabha Secretariat said in a statement on Thursday.
Former Chief Minister Biren Singh and other BJP leaders from Manipur have reportedly made several visits to New Delhi to urge the Central leadership to facilitate the formation of a new popular government. However, despite multiple rounds of discussions, no decision has materialized.
Congress has criticized the Centre’s inaction and the BJP’s internal power tussle for prolonging the political vacuum in the state. “Even though the BJP has the numbers, they have failed to come up with a capable leader. This delay is hurting the people of Manipur who are desperate for stability and governance,” Meghachandra Singh said.
The Congress has called on the Central government to act responsibly and prioritize the democratic aspirations of the people over political calculations. “We demand that the President’s Rule not be extended and that immediate steps be taken to restore an elected government in Manipur,” the MPCC president emphasized.
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As the Rajya Sabha prepares to debate the resolution in the coming days, political observers suggest that the issue may become a flashpoint between the ruling and opposition parties during the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament.
