Manipur political crisis deepens: Congress seeks no-confidence motion

The political crisis in Manipur has escalated further after chief minister N. Biren Singh’s sudden resignation, hours before the Congress was set to table a no-confidence motion against him. The move has triggered a fresh constitutional debate, as the governor’s subsequent ordinance nullifying the resignation has been termed “unconstitutional” by the opposition.

Congress leaders have accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating a political maneuver to avoid a trust vote. “We were about to bring a no-confidence motion in the Vidhan Sabha, and 14 hours before that, N. Biren Singh resigned. This is a clear attempt to bypass accountability,” AICC general secretary, communications, Jairam Ramesh said.

The deadline for convening the Manipur Legislative Assembly further complicates the situation.

As per Article 174(1) of the Constitution, there cannot be a gap of more than six months between two assembly sessions.

Today, February 11, marks the last day for the mandated sitting, yet the governor has not summoned the session—another move Congress has labeled as unconstitutional.

“Why is the Manipur governor violating Article 174(1) by not summoning the Legislative Assembly for its constitutionally mandated session? The BJP government has deliberately stalled proceedings because it has no leadership plan and fears a no-confidence motion,” Ramesh added.

Adding to the crisis, the BJP has failed to appoint a successor, leaving the state in a leadership vacuum. Several names have been floated as potential replacements, but internal disagreements within the party have stalled any decision.

Meanwhile, the Manipur governor’s decision to issue an ordinance making Biren Singh’s resignation “null and void” has sparked a political storm. The Congress has called it a blatant violation of the Constitution, citing the Supreme Court’s recent observations that the “constitutional machinery in Manipur has collapsed.”

Legal experts argue that a resignation, once accepted, cannot be overturned arbitrarily through an ordinance.

The opposition’s allegations point to a larger crisis in Manipur, where political instability, ethnic violence, and constitutional violations have crippled administrative functioning.

With the BJP struggling to maintain control and the opposition pushing for accountability, Manipur’s political future remains uncertain.

The coming days will be crucial as legal and political battles unfold over the Governor’s decision and the fate of the no-confidence motion. Notably, the Congress party has hinted at approaching the Supreme Court if constitutional norms continue to be flouted.