{"id":327369,"date":"2025-02-20T19:17:59","date_gmt":"2025-02-20T13:47:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/?p=327369"},"modified":"2025-02-28T19:38:47","modified_gmt":"2025-02-28T14:08:47","slug":"manipur-faces-presidents-rule-amid-political-and-ethnic-turmoil","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/manipur-faces-presidents-rule-amid-political-and-ethnic-turmoil\/","title":{"rendered":"Manipur faces President\u2019s Rule amid political and ethnic turmoil"},"content":{"rendered":"

Source<\/strong>: The post Manipur faces President\u2019s Rule amid political and ethnic turmoil has been created, based on the article \u201cManipur is in need of \u2018greater common good\u2019 politics<\/strong>\u201d published in \u201cThe Hindu<\/strong>\u201d on 20th February 2025.<\/p>\n

\"Manipur<\/p>\n

UPSC Syllabus Topic:<\/strong> GS Paper2-Polity-issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure<\/p>\n

Context<\/strong>: The article discusses the imposition of President\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

For detailed information on Manipur Crisis: Constitutional Breakdown, Judicial Delays, and Government Inaction<\/strong> read this article hear<\/a><\/p>\n

Why was President\u2019s Rule imposed in Manipur?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. Constitutional Breakdown:<\/strong> Article 174<\/strong> mandates that the gap between two Assembly sessions cannot exceed six months<\/strong>. This deadline expired on February 12, 2025<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
  2. Political Instability:<\/strong> Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned<\/strong> on February 9<\/strong>, leading to a leadership crisis. The BJP faced internal conflicts over his replacement.<\/li>\n
  3. Ethnic Unrest:<\/strong> 20 months of lawlessness<\/strong> since May 3, 2023<\/strong>, made governance difficult.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    What political struggles led to this crisis?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
      \n
    1. BJP’s Internal Conflict<\/strong>: Dissident MLAs wanted to remove Chief Minister N. Biren Singh<\/strong>. The BJP\u2019s central leadership likely forced his resignation on February 9, 2025<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
    2. No-Confidence Motion<\/strong>: The Congress<\/strong> planned to move a no-confidence motion<\/strong>. Rebel BJP MLAs were ready to support it, even at the risk of disqualification.<\/li>\n
    3. Assembly Crisis<\/strong>: Article 174<\/strong> mandates that two sessions cannot be more than six months apart<\/strong>. The skipped winter session forced a February 10 Budget session<\/strong>, which was canceled.<\/li>\n
    4. Governor\u2019s Role<\/strong>: Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla<\/strong> declared the session \u201cnull and void\u201d<\/strong> on February 9<\/strong>, worsening the crisis.<\/li>\n
    5. Result<\/strong>: Without a Chief Minister or Assembly session, President\u2019s Rule<\/strong> was imposed on February 13, 2025<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      How has President\u2019s Rule been used in Manipur before?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
        \n
      1. Manipur has experienced President\u2019s Rule 11 times<\/strong>, including the latest on February 13, 2025<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
      2. According to a 2016 RTI reply<\/strong>, it had President\u2019s Rule 10 times<\/strong> before.<\/li>\n
      3. This makes Manipur one of the most politically unstable States<\/strong> in India.<\/li>\n
      4. Ethnic diversity<\/strong> contributes to instability, with 33 Scheduled Tribes<\/strong>, mainly Nagas and Kuki-Zos<\/strong>, alongside Meiteis, Pangals, and non-tribal groups<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
      5. Frequent political conflicts and governance failures<\/strong> have led to repeated constitutional breakdowns<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
      6. The latest crisis arose from missed Assembly deadlines, BJP infighting, and ethnic unrest<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        How did populism fuel ethnic tensions?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
          \n
        1. Types of Populism<\/strong>: The book Righteous Demagogues (2024)<\/em> defines three populism types \u2013 Reordering, Additive, and Quotidian<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
        2. Biren Singh\u2019s Policies<\/strong>: His government targeted Kuki-Zo tribes<\/strong> through crackdowns on forest encroachment, poppy cultivation, and illegal migration<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
        3. Ethnic Polarization<\/strong>: His actions were harsh and humiliating<\/strong>, increasing hostility.<\/li>\n
        4. Political Rivalry<\/strong>: Opponents exploited ethnic fears<\/strong> to strengthen their base.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          What are the challenges ahead?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

          President\u2019s Rule may not last long, and BJP might return to power soon. However, several challenges remain<\/strong>:<\/p>\n