New Delhi – The Rajya Sabha has passed a statutory resolution approving the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur, following a late-night debate that began at 2:36 a.m. on Friday, shortly after discussions on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025. Union Home Minister Amit Shah moved the resolution, which was approved at 3:58 a.m. after 11 Members of Parliament participated in the debate.
The approval follows the Lok Sabha’s passage of the resolution at 2:40 a.m. on Thursday, with Shah moving it at 2 a.m. During the Rajya Sabha debate, Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge requested a postponement, arguing that the late-hour discussion would not allow for a thorough debate. However, the request was denied, with Amit Shah responding, “Manipur is an important issue. Why don’t you work until late at night for once?”
Kharge criticized the government’s handling of Manipur’s ongoing ethnic violence, questioning why Prime Minister Narendra Modi had not visited the state in the past two years. “I demand an inquiry and a white paper to be presented in the House. BJP has no plan to restore peace. They have allowed conflict to deepen,” Kharge said, alleging that the government’s priority was protecting its political interests rather than addressing the crisis.
Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien also raised concerns over the debate’s timing, arguing that discussing Manipur in the middle of the night prevented widespread media coverage. “On the last day of Parliament, you move the resolution. Why did you not bring it in the morning? What is Manipur’s fault? They are Indian citizens,” he said, demanding that Modi visit the state.
Amit Shah Defends Government’s Actions
Amit Shah countered the opposition’s allegations, stating that the government had been actively engaging with both conflicting groups in Manipur. “Two rounds of talks have already been held. We are confident that a joint meeting with both groups will soon be held in New Delhi,” he said.
Shah emphasized that President’s Rule was imposed not due to a law-and-order failure but because then-Chief Minister N. Biren Singh had resigned. “There was no violence in November, December, and even until now. The CM resigned, paving the way for President’s Rule. The claim that Congress was set to bring a no-confidence motion is incorrect. They did not have the numbers,” he explained.
Addressing concerns about crimes against women in Manipur, Shah contrasted the situation with incidents in West Bengal. “Yes, there were crimes against women, but it was ethnic violence between two groups. In Bengal, what happened in Sandeshkhali? For years, women were subjected to harassment, and your government did nothing,” he said, accusing the opposition of politicizing the issue.
Impact of President’s Rule in Manipur
President’s Rule was officially imposed in Manipur on February 13, 2025, four days after Biren Singh’s resignation. The state had witnessed nearly two years of ethnic violence, which has killed at least 260 people and displaced over 50,000 residents.
Although the state assembly has not been dissolved, it has been placed under “suspended animation,” meaning it remains in existence but without an active government. This allows for a future government formation if any party can secure majority support in the House. As Manipur remains under central rule, debates continue over the long-term political and security implications in the state.
