Manipur faces President’s Rule amid political and ethnic turmoil

Source: The post Manipur faces President’s Rule amid political and ethnic turmoil has been created, based on the article “Manipur is in need of ‘greater common good’ politics” published in “The Hindu” on 20th February 2025.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-Polity-issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure

Context: The article discusses the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur on February 13, 2025. It explains political struggles, ethnic tensions, and missed Assembly deadlines. It highlights different types of populism and urges sensitive governance to resolve conflicts and restore stability.

For detailed information on Manipur Crisis: Constitutional Breakdown, Judicial Delays, and Government Inaction read this article hear

Why was President’s Rule imposed in Manipur?

1. Constitutional Breakdown: Article 174 mandates that the gap between two Assembly sessions cannot exceed six months. This deadline expired on February 12, 2025.
2. Political Instability: Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned on February 9, leading to a leadership crisis. The BJP faced internal conflicts over his replacement.
3. Ethnic Unrest: 20 months of lawlessness since May 3, 2023, made governance difficult.

What political struggles led to this crisis?

1. BJP’s Internal Conflict: Dissident MLAs wanted to remove Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. The BJP’s central leadership likely forced his resignation on February 9, 2025.
2. No-Confidence Motion: The Congress planned to move a no-confidence motion. Rebel BJP MLAs were ready to support it, even at the risk of disqualification.
3. Assembly Crisis: Article 174 mandates that two sessions cannot be more than six months apart. The skipped winter session forced a February 10 Budget session, which was canceled.
4. Governor’s Role: Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla declared the session “null and void” on February 9, worsening the crisis.
5. Result: Without a Chief Minister or Assembly session, President’s Rule was imposed on February 13, 2025.

How has President’s Rule been used in Manipur before?

1. Manipur has experienced President’s Rule 11 times, including the latest on February 13, 2025.
2. According to a 2016 RTI reply, it had President’s Rule 10 times before.
3. This makes Manipur one of the most politically unstable States in India.
4. Ethnic diversity contributes to instability, with 33 Scheduled Tribes, mainly Nagas and Kuki-Zos, alongside Meiteis, Pangals, and non-tribal groups.
5. Frequent political conflicts and governance failures have led to repeated constitutional breakdowns.
6. The latest crisis arose from missed Assembly deadlines, BJP infighting, and ethnic unrest.

How did populism fuel ethnic tensions?

1. Types of Populism: The book Righteous Demagogues (2024) defines three populism types – Reordering, Additive, and Quotidian.
2. Biren Singh’s Policies: His government targeted Kuki-Zo tribes through crackdowns on forest encroachment, poppy cultivation, and illegal migration.
3. Ethnic Polarization: His actions were harsh and humiliating, increasing hostility.
4. Political Rivalry: Opponents exploited ethnic fears to strengthen their base.

What are the challenges ahead?

President’s Rule may not last long, and BJP might return to power soon. However, several challenges remain:

• Cross-border movement must be controlled but managed carefully.
• Poppy eradication and forest conservation should continue but with sensitivity.
• Ethnic hostilities must end, and governance should focus on common welfare rather than ethnic populism.

Manipur became a full-fledged State in 1972 and has had diverse leadership in the past. The future should focus on inclusive governance, where leaders emerge based on merit rather than ethnic loyalty.

Question for practice:

Examine how political instability and ethnic tensions contributed to the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur on February 13, 2025.