Synopsis: President’s Rule extension in Manipur dominated Lok Sabha proceedings on July 30, with fiery exchanges between the ruling party and Opposition, raising issues of constitutional crisis, ethnic violence, and political accountability.
Qalam Times News Network
New Delhi, July 30, 2025
President’s Rule took center stage in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday as the House adopted a statutory resolution to extend central rule in Manipur for another six months. The motion, introduced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, triggered an intense and emotionally charged debate over the handling of the northeastern state’s ongoing ethnic crisis.
From the outset, Opposition MPs hammered the government over what they called a “failure of federalism.” Congress MP Dr. A.B. Akoijam, himself from Manipur, questioned the moral legitimacy of the move, saying the imposition of President’s Rule served more to shield the BJP from embarrassment than to restore order. “Why was no MP from Manipur allowed to speak when this began? Is Manipur not a part of India?” he asked, demanding dissolution of the Assembly and a fresh mandate instead of prolonging executive control.
Adding fuel to the fire, DMK’s C.N. Annadurai opposed the resolution, while TDP MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayulu took a more tempered stance, calling the extension “a hard but necessary step” and urging fellow members to see it as “a moment of national healing.” He compared the situation to post-Article 370 Jammu and Kashmir, suggesting that central intervention could pave the way for long-term peace and development.
Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai responded to criticism by highlighting the drop in violence post-President’s Rule and outlined arms seizure operations and anti-drug measures as evidence of progress. Meanwhile, the Congress continued to raise issues beyond Manipur. K.C. Venugopal condemned the arrest of two nuns in Chhattisgarh as a “Bajrang Dal vendetta,” calling on the Centre to intervene.
By day’s end, despite procedural disruptions and repeated adjournments, the motion passed, cementing New Delhi’s grip over Manipur till early 2026. However, unresolved questions about representation, justice, and the government’s real intent hung thick in the air.
