Will the Extension of President's Rule in Manipur Undermine Democracy?
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Synopsis
The Congress party voices strong opposition against the proposed six-month extension of President's Rule in Manipur, arguing it threatens the democratic values of the state. Amidst ongoing ethnic violence and political instability, the party questions the BJP's ability to govern effectively.
Key Takeaways
- Extension of President's Rule in Manipur raises concerns about democracy.
- The Congress party opposes the extension, citing public discontent.
- Over 260 lives lost and 60,000 displaced due to ethnic violence.
- Criticism directed at BJP for governance failures.
- Rajya Sabha's role crucial in the ongoing political situation.
Imphal, July 25 (NationPress) The Opposition Congress declared on Friday that the continuation of President's Rule in Manipur will erode the essence of democracy, highlighting that the residents of the state are against it.
Keisham Meghachandra Singh, President of the Manipur State Congress, remarked that the so-called "double-engine" governments have completely failed in addressing the challenges faced by Manipur, exemplified by the proposed extension of the President's Rule.
The Union Government is seeking to prolong the President's Rule by an additional six months due to the absence of a viable BJP leader in the state.
“President's Rule is meant to be a temporary solution for restoring peace and normalcy. The ongoing extension of this rule due to internal law and order problems is without precedent,” stated Singh, who is also a Congress MLA.
He criticized the BJP, which despite having a majority, has not been able to elect a competent leader to govern.
Singh further condemned both the NDA government at the central level and the previous BJP administration in the state for their failure to act decisively in resolving the ongoing turmoil.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs is preparing to extend the President's Rule in Manipur from August 13, with a statutory resolution notice already submitted to the Rajya Sabha, which has been acknowledged by the chair.
The Rajya Sabha has yet to address this notice, which is anticipated to be discussed next week. The Rajya Sabha Secretariat announced on Thursday, "Amit Shah, Minister of Home Affairs; and Minister of Cooperation has given a notice of the following Resolution which has been admitted :- 'That this House approves the continuance in force of the Proclamation dated the 13 February, 2025 in respect of Manipur, issued under article 356 of the Constitution by the President, for a further period of six months with effect from 13 August, 2025'."
The BJP, along with its allies, possesses adequate strength within the 60-member Manipur Assembly to establish a new government.
State leaders, including former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, have made several trips to Delhi to urge central BJP leaders to form a government that reflects the will of the people.
Manipur has remained under President's Rule since February 13, just four days following Biren Singh's resignation as Chief Minister.
Since May 2023, at least 260 individuals have lost their lives, and over 60,000 people from various communities have been displaced due to ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities in the state.
Point of View
It is crucial to understand that the extension of President's Rule in Manipur raises significant concerns regarding governance and democratic processes. The ongoing ethnic violence and inability to form a stable government highlight the urgent need for effective leadership. The situation demands a comprehensive approach to restore peace and enable representative governance.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is President's Rule?
President's Rule is a constitutional provision in India that allows the central government to take over the governance of a state when the President believes that the state's government is not functioning according to the Constitution.
Why is the President's Rule being extended in Manipur?
The Union Government seeks to extend President's Rule in Manipur due to ongoing instability and the absence of a competent leader from the ruling party.
What has been the impact of ethnic violence in Manipur?
The ethnic violence in Manipur has led to the loss of over 260 lives and displaced more than 60,000 individuals from various communities since May 2023.
What is the role of the Rajya Sabha in this situation?
The Rajya Sabha is responsible for discussing and approving the statutory resolution regarding the continuation of President's Rule in Manipur, which is expected to be addressed soon.
What are the criticisms faced by the BJP regarding this situation?
The BJP has faced criticism for failing to elect a capable leader to govern despite having a majority in the assembly, as well as for the lack of effective initiatives to resolve the ongoing crisis.
