Manipur’s Political Paralysis

Manipur has been grappling with a crisis that has not only exposed the inefficacy of its elected leaders but also raised serious concerns about the state’s political stability. The resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, after his government failed to control the ongoing turmoil for 21 months, is an undeniable testament to the governance failure that has plagued Manipur. The subsequent imposition of President’s Rule following the inability of the legislators to form a new government further underscores the deep-seated political dysfunction in the state.
What is most appalling is that despite the BJP having the numbers, along with support from allies like the NPP, no one stepped up to stake a claim for government formation. This inaction reflects not just a lack of leadership but also a betrayal of the people’s mandate. The very representatives who were elected to safeguard the interests of the public have abdicated their responsibility, leaving the state in an administrative vacuum.
In the short period since President’s Rule was imposed, the Governor’s office has acted swiftly, something that was lacking under the elected government. Reports indicate that militant-built bunkers along national highways have been cleared, and in the face of ongoing protests, some individuals have surrendered arms looted from the state’s armories. While this does not equate to a complete resolution of Manipur’s crisis, it raises a fundamental question: How is it that a single administrator from Delhi appears more effective in asserting governance than a council of elected ministers?
The failure of Manipur’s political class to restore an elected government only deepens public disillusionment. The elected representatives seem to be either unwilling or incapable of taking decisive action, leaving the people to fend for themselves in a volatile environment. The longer this impasse continues, the more it becomes evident that the interests of political survival have overshadowed the duty to serve the state and its people.
This is not just a political failure; it is a moral and democratic collapse. Manipur deserves leaders who are accountable, proactive, and committed to restoring normalcy, not politicians who hide behind indecision and self-interest. If the elected members cannot fulfill their responsibilities, they must step aside and let those who can govern take the reins. Otherwise, the people of Manipur will continue to suffer in the absence of real leadership, and history will remember this moment as one of the state’s greatest political shames.