The President’s rule is likely to be imposed in Manipur as the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership failed to name a new leader for the chief minister’s post two days after N Biren Singh’s resignation, sources told CNN-News18.

BJP’s northeast in-charge Sambit Patra, who has been camping in Imphal since Singh’s resignation, met Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Tuesday to apprise him about the political situation.

Biren Singh’s resignation came amid reports that some BJP MLAs might support no-confidence motion to be brought in the state assembly by the Congress. Situation in Manipur remained tense since ethnic violence broke out in the state in May 2023 in which 250 people have lost their lives and thousands were rendered homeless.

As per Article 356 of the Constitution, imposition of President’s rule will transfer all the functions of the state government to the Centre and the function of the state legislature to Parliament. Only the functioning of High Courts will remain unchanged.

Imposition of President’s rule begins if the President, on receiving a report from the Governor, is “satisfied that a situation has arisen in which the Government of the State cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution".

Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh resigned- two years after ethnic violence broke out in the state- amid dissidence in the state BJP against his leadership. His exit from the CM post came as his government faces the possibility of a Congress no-confidence motion and a floor test.

Manipur BJP chief A Sharda Devi said that N Biren Singh’s decision was made to protect the integrity of the state and keeping in mind public welfare. She said, “Since 2017, Biren Singh has been working tirelessly for the development of Manipur. His resignation reflects his deep commitment to safeguarding the state’s integrity."

Source: News18