President's rule imposed in Manipur after CM Singh resigns

President's Rule was imposed in Manipur on Thursday following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, amid ongoing turmoil after ethnic violence that resulted in over 250 deaths and the displacement of thousands.

Singh's resignation came nearly 21 months into his term, and just before the state assembly was to begin its budget session.

The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notification stating that President Droupadi Murmu believes the state's government cannot function according to constitutional provisions.

Exercising powers granted by Article 356 of the Constitution, President Murmu assumed all functions of the Manipur government, with the assembly placed under suspended animation.

Biren Singh submitted his resignation to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla in Imphal on February 9, ahead of the scheduled assembly session. In his resignation letter, Singh expressed gratitude for the support and intervention of the central government during his tenure.

The resignation followed a Supreme Court directive for a report on leaked audio tapes allegedly featuring Singh. In the tapes, he purportedly admits to inciting the ethnic violence.

This development has led to efforts within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to find a successor, with meetings taking place between BJP lawmakers and the party’s northeast coordinator, Sambit Patra. However, a consensus on the next Chief Minister has yet to be reached.

The violence marked by clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities has engulfed the state, with the Opposition and the Kuki community holding Singh responsible for the escalation. Opposition parties criticize the BJP for acting too late in removing Singh, suggesting it was an effort to prevent the government’s collapse and avoid Supreme Court repercussions.