Kh Mani: New Govt likely within Mar 10
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 18 2025: A new government might be formed before the upcoming Parliament session starting from March 10 or else suspended animation of the state assembly will be extended, predicted Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) former acting chairperson Khaidem Mani.

In an exclusive interview, Mani told The People's Chronicle that political crisis in the state since February 9 continues as central leaders could not find the replacement of former chief minister N Biren.

If Biren had resigned willingly and in good faith, a new leader should have been appointed to form a new government as done by the BJP in Tripura some years back.

However, such arrangement was not made and Manipur was put under President's Rule and state assembly in suspended animation even though there was no constitutional breakdown, Mani observed.

According to Khaidem Mani, people do not want President's Rule but not convening the assembly session within six months led to the imposition of President's Rule.

The maximum period for suspended animation is two months and continuation or revocation of this interim measure has to be decided by both the Houses of Parliament before the lapse of two-month window.

With the Parliament session set to resume from March 10, it is very likely that a new government would be formed before the session starts or else the period of suspended animation would be automatically lengthened, he explained.

Mani also opined that all the 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs welcomed imposition of President's Rule in Manipur with the hope of a political roadmap prepared by the Centre.

Elaborating on Article 3 of the Indian Constitution, Mani said it refers to alteration of boundary of a state and formation of Union Territory.

A proviso in this Article clearly mentioned that the state assembly should be consulted before bifurcation.

However, distortion of boundary of Manipur is unrelated with suspension or non-suspension of Article 3 as the President can take such a decision independently as the state is under President's Rule and no consultation with state assembly is required, Mani said adding that such an apprehension is evident among the people including Congress leaders.

Having a responsible government is best for the people in a democratic country but compelling situation brought President's Rule in Manipur, Mani said and strongly called for electing a consensus leader to restore democratic governance at the earliest.

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