President’s Rule Or New CM, What Will Be Manipur’s Fate After Biren’s Exit? Explained

Imphal: After Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned on Sunday and Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla declaring the state Assembly as ‘null and void’, the fate of the north-eastern state hangs in balance. The big question is now what will be the next move of the ruling BJP? The saffron party has the task of finalizing Biren’s replacement. But will BJP opt for President’s rule or hunt for a new CM face? The party’s central leadership may buy time for evolving a consensus for a new CM for Manipur, sources said as quoted by the Indian Express.

Hours after Biren’s resignation, a statement from the Raj Bhavan in Imphal stated that the former has asked Singh to continue in office till “alternative arrangements” are made. According to media reports quoting sources, a meeting is underway in Delhi. Sources also claimed that the Manipur Governor would be informed about the next step possibly by late night today (Monday, Feb 10).

Now, the question is why President’s rule may be an option? This is because there is no leader yet who enjoys the support of a majority of party MLAs. In that case, the Centre may have to impose President’s Rule. Meanwhile, Singh recommended the suspended animation of the Assembly, reports stated. He is likely to continue as the caretaker till the Centre takes a call on it, reported the Indian Express quoting an anonymous BJP leader in the state.

How can President’s Rule may be imposed?

According to Article 356 of the Constitution, the proclamation of President’s Rule shall be laid before each house of Parliament within two months. If not, then President’s Rule shall cease to expire. Sources quoted in the Indian Express report also stated that the Centre may wait before going to Parliament, which is currently in session. The first part of the Budget session, which is scheduled till February 13, may be adjourned for recess two days in advance as Wednesday is a holiday in account of Ravidas Jayanti. The Budget session is scheduled to resume on March 10. It will conclude on April 4. If President’s Rule takes place after Parliament breaks for recess, the matter can come up only when the Houses meet next.

Who may replace Singh?

There are speculations that Manipur Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh and Urban Development Minister Yumnam Khemchand could emerge as potential candidates for the CM’s post. But as of now nothing has been announced in public and it seems that BJP is busy taking up a thorough discussion.

Heightened security measures in place

An emergency and crisis management plan has been initiated in Manipur following the resignation of Singh. According to sources, senior police officers and security forces have been deployed on ground to step up security measures in the Valley. Police were monitoring leaders who could incite violence, sources told News 18. However, since the resignation is due to political reasons rather than security concerns, the security grid does not anticipate a sudden spike in violence, the report claimed. But protests may take place in the Valley as Singh belongs to this region.