he Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) has strongly condemned the Union Government’s decision to extend President’s Rule in Manipur for another six months, calling it a “direct assault on democratic values and the federal spirit of the Constitution.”
In a statement issued on Tuesday, MPCC President K. Meghachandra Singh said the extension of central rule was “not just a constitutional formality” but a deliberate attempt to delay the restoration of an elected government in the state.
‘President’s Rule Being Misused’
“President’s Rule, meant to be a temporary measure, is now being used as a tool to bypass the will of the people and stall democratic governance,” Meghachandra said. He further added that Manipur needed “accountable leadership, not bureaucratic rule from Delhi,” stressing that democracy must not be sacrificed for “political expediency.”
Background
President’s Rule was first imposed in Manipur on February 13, 2025, amid continued political instability and a breakdown of law and order. The extension, approved by the Union Cabinet and placed before Parliament this week, will keep the state under central rule beyond August 13, 2025.
Timeline of President’s Rule in Manipur
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Proclamation of President’s Rule under Article 356 | February 13, 2025 |
| End of first six-month term | August 13, 2025 |
| Resolution for extension tabled in Parliament | August 2025 |
| Extended duration (if passed) | February 2026 |
Political Reactions Expected
The Congress is likely to raise the issue forcefully during the two-hour debate scheduled in the Rajya Sabha later this week on the resolution extending President’s Rule. Opposition leaders have already questioned the Centre’s handling of the Manipur crisis and accused it of weakening democratic institutions at the grassroots level.