Is Manipur heading towards President's Rule? BJP's failure to find a consensus pick may accelerate the process

Biren Singh resigned as Manipur CM on Sunday.

As the deadline to zero in on a new name for the post of chief minister in Manipur approaches with the Governor contemplating on sending a report to the Centre on conditions allowing for the proclamation of President's rule, News 18 quoting official sources revealed that the call to proclaim a President's Rule may be in the offing.

Post the resignation of Biren Singh as Manipur CM on Sunday, a statement from the Raj Bhavan in Imphal mentioned: "Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has asked N Biren Singh to continue in office till “alternative arrangements” are made. Sources said that while putting in his papers, Singh recommended that the Assembly be kept in suspended animation making it possible for the MLAs to reach a consensus on his replacement. However, since there is no leader yet who enjoys the support of a majority of party MLAs, the Centre may have to impose President’s Rule. Hours after Biren resigned, Governor Bhalla issued a notification declaring the previous order summoning the Assembly, which was set to convene on Monday, “null and void”.

BJP Northeast in-charge Sambit Patra and state party president A Sharda Devi on Tuesday called on Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Raj Bhavan in Imphal, amid a leadership crisis following the resignation of N Biren Singh from the post of chief minister.

The imposition of President’s Rule under Article 356 effectively transfers all the functions of the state government to the Centre and the function of the state legislature to Parliament during the period when it is in force. The only exception to this is the functioning of High Courts, which remains unchanged.

Amid growing discontent within the state BJP and calls for a change in leadership, Singh tendered his resignation to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Sunday. More than 250 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023.

A report by The Indian Express quoting sources said the Centre was looking to buy more time before going to Parliament, which is currently in session. The first part of the Budget session, although scheduled till February 13, is likely to be adjourned for recess two days in advance as Wednesday is a holiday because of Ravidas Jayanti.