Fate of Parliamentary Democracy

The ongoing political turmoil in Manipur following Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s resignation has raised serious concerns about the state’s governance and constitutional integrity. With no clear successor in sight, the prolonged delay in electing a new legislative leader has put the BJP-led government in a precarious position, leading to speculation about a looming constitutional crisis.
At the heart of the issue lies Article 174(1) of the Indian Constitution, which mandates that the gap between two sessions of a state legislature should not exceed six months. Constitutional experts argue that this provision has already been violated, as the 7th session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly has not been convened despite the ongoing crisis. The absence of an Assembly session to deliberate on the pressing issues facing the state not only undermines the principles of parliamentary democracy but also highlights the state’s political instability. This means there is no other option but imposition of article 356 (President Rule) in the state.
The BJP’s inability to swiftly elect a new Chief Minister further complicates the situation. If the ruling party fails to reach a consensus on a legislature wing leader, Manipur could face an unprecedented constitutional breakdown, potentially leading to the imposition of President’s Rule. This scenario would not only reflect a failure in governance but would also set a dangerous precedent for democratic institutions in the state.
Furthermore, the delay in forming a stable government comes at a time when Manipur is grappling with serious socio-political challenges, including the aftermath of ethnic violence, security concerns, and governance paralysis. The failure to address these pressing issues could alienate the public further and erode confidence in democratic processes.
The onus now lies on the BJP’s central leadership to intervene decisively and resolve the crisis without further delay. While reports suggest that discussions are ongoing in New Delhi to select a new Chief Minister, the prolonged indecision raises doubts about the party’s ability to maintain a cohesive and functioning government in Manipur.
To uphold democratic principles and ensure constitutional governance, the BJP must immediately convene the Legislative Assembly session to maintain constitutional propriety and allow elected representatives to deliberate on Manipur’s pressing issues. The selection of a new Chief Minister should be expedited to prevent further political instability, and efforts must be made to rebuild public trust by addressing governance failures and ensuring that the new leadership is committed to restoring normalcy in the state.
If the current uncertainty persists, the fate of parliamentary democracy in Manipur will hang in the balance, setting a troubling precedent for constitutional governance in India. The time for decisive action is now.