Explanation: President’s rule was used for the first time in Punjab on 20th June 1951. The President’s rule has been imposed eight times in Punjab. Regarding the absolute number of days, for 3,510 days Punjab was under the President’s rule.

Between 1987 to 1992 Punjab was under the control of the President for five consecutive years. In India, the rule of the president is the dissolution of state government and the establishment in a state of absolute central government rule. Under Article 356 of the Constitution of India, the central government may take direct control of the state machinery if a state government is unable to function according to constitutional provisions.

According to a RTI response from the Ministry of Home Affairs, President’s rule was imposed maximum number of times in Uttar Pradesh (10 times) while President’s rule was in vogue for maximum number of days in Punjab (more than 3000 days).

Source: Indian Polity Laxmikanth