Cong accuses BJP of using PR as political tool
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 25 2025: Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Keisham Meghachandra on Friday criticised the BJP-led government for failing to govern the state, claiming that the imposition and proposed extension of President's Rule is being used as a political tool rather than a constitutional necessity.

Speaking on the sidelines of a free medical camp organised by MPCC Doctor Cell at Lamboi Khongnangkhong, Meghachandra asserted that BJP's much-touted "double engine" government had collapsed in Manipur, leading to the imposition of President's Rule.

"President's Rule, which is meant to be temporary, is now being misused by the ruling party at the Centre.

People are against it," he noted.

Cong accuses BJP of using PR as political tool

He condemned the proposal to extend President's Rule for another six months, stating that the same does not reflect the will of the people.

"Extending it further casts a dark shadow on democracy and shows a blatant disregard for the spirit of federalism enshrined in the Constitution," said the Congress MLA, adding that the move suppresses the will of the people and exposes BJP government's inability to protect citizens and restore normalcy.

Meghachandra also questioned BJP government's commitment to peace, pointing out that despite the ongoing unrest in the state for over two years and three months, no concrete steps have been taken to resolve the crisis.

He noted that several Supreme Court judges have visited the state and many political parties have given their opinions, but the BJP leadership has failed to act.

He further said that the Centre and the state BJP government have ignored recommendations from all-party meetings and peace committees, and their inaction shows a lack of political will to end the crisis.

According to the Congress leader, this deliberate neglect of the crisis by the saffron party has left the people in prolonged uncertainty.

Referring to the absence of the Prime Minister, Meghachandra said, "The Prime Minister travels to different countries and expresses grief over various incidents, but he has not found time to visit Manipur or meet the communities affected by the prolonged unrest".

He reiterated that the continuing imposition of President's Rule reflects political convenience rather than governance, and urged for sincere efforts to restore peace in the state through constitutional means.

The people expect the formation of a new government following the end of President's Rule and the revocation of the Assembly's suspension, Meghachandra said.

The MPCC president alleged that if President's Rule is extended, the true democratic rights enshrined in the federal structure of the constitution of the world's largest democracy will be in grave danger.

He further claimed that the BJP-led government at the Centre intends to use the reimposition of President's Rule in the ethnic violence-hit Manipur as a political ploy to gain mileage ahead of the Assembly elections due in 2027.Meghachandra's criticism of the Union Home Minister follows the Rajya Sabha bulletin seeking a resolution for the extension of President's Rule in Manipur.

The statutory resolution states: "That this House approves the continuance in force of the Proclamation dated 13 February 2025, in respect of Manipur, issued under Article 356 of the Constitution by the President, for a further period of six months with effect from 13 August 2025" .

Interestingly, under Article 356(3) of the Constitution, President's Rule can initially last for six months and may be extended with parliamentary approval every six months, up to a maximum of three years.

Manipur was brought under President's Rule after the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh on February 9, 2025 .

Meghachandra said the move for extending the President's Rule in Manipur for another six months, is a serious blow to democratic values and the federal spirit of the Constitution.