February 14, 2025 -  Four days after N Biren Singh stepped down as Chief Minister, the Centre has imposed President’s Rule in Manipur, placing the state assembly under suspended animation. The decision, announced Thursday, marks a significant shift in the state’s political landscape, which has been marred by ethnic violence since May 2023. President Droupadi Murmu's proclamation followed a report from Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, citing a breakdown in constitutional machinery.

Before the imposition of President’s Rule, security measures were put in place, with state police and intelligence agencies monitoring key individuals to prevent any untoward incidents. The BJP-led government in Manipur collapsed on February 9 when Singh resigned after meetings with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP president J P Nadda in New Delhi. Subsequently, the Governor declared the earlier Assembly summons for February 10 null and void, effectively dissolving the session.

With the Manipur Assembly elections not due until 2027, the state legislature had 59 members following the recent death of an MLA. The BJP held a majority with 37 legislators, while former allies like the National People's Party (NPP) and Kuki People’s Alliance (KPA) had withdrawn support amid the ongoing crisis. The President’s Rule notification, issued by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, cited Article 356 of the Constitution, granting the President control over the state’s governance until further arrangements are made. Meanwhile, BJP leadership, including Northeast coordinator Sambit Patra, has been engaging in discussions to identify a consensus candidate to succeed Biren Singh as Chief Minister.