The Rajya Sabha on Monday adopted a statutory resolution approving the continuation of President’s Rule in Manipur for an additional six months, extending the Centre’s direct administrative control over the conflict-affected state.
The resolution—”Continuance in force of the Proclamation dated 13th February 2025 in respect of Manipur, issued under Article 356 of the Constitution by the President”—was passed after being cleared by the Lok Sabha on July 31. It extends the term of President’s Rule from August 13, 2025, to February 13, 2026, unless revoked earlier.
President’s Rule was first imposed on February 13 this year following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh amid intensifying ethnic violence and a breakdown of law and order. The imposition came under Article 356 of the Constitution, which allows the Centre to assume direct control of a state if its government is deemed incapable of functioning.
The extension was moved by the Union Home Ministry citing continued instability and the need to maintain peace in the state. Government officials argued that since the imposition of President’s Rule, the level of violence has reduced, and administrative relief efforts have improved.
However, the resolution drew criticism from several Opposition members, particularly the Congress, who questioned the prolonged absence of an elected government in the state. They accused the BJP-led central government of using Article 356 as a political tool and demanded a clear timeline for fresh Assembly elections in Manipur.
Opposition leaders, both in Parliament and in Manipur, warned that the continued central rule without public representation could deepen distrust among citizens and delay the return to normalcy.
Despite the pushback, the government maintained that restoring order and stability in the state must remain the top priority. Officials assured that efforts are ongoing to create the right conditions for a democratic transition.
With the resolution now adopted by both Houses of Parliament, Manipur will remain under President’s Rule until at least February 2026, unless a new government is formed before that. The extension underscores the challenges the state continues to face more than a year after ethnic violence first erupted in May 2023.