Manipur Power Struggle Intensifies: Congress Questions BJP’s Constitutional Legitimacy

The political climate in Manipur has reached a boiling point once again, with the Congress party launching a serious challenge against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s governance in the state. Alleging constitutional violations and autocratic decision-making, the Congress has not only demanded clarity on governance but also called for intervention from the Centre and constitutional authorities.

At the heart of the matter is the persistent instability in Manipur’s political structure, exacerbated by ethnic violence, administrative breakdowns, and a deepening trust deficit between communities and the state machinery.

What Triggered the Fresh Crisis?

Earlier this week, the Congress accused the BJP of unconstitutionally dissolving grassroots administrative bodies and making key bureaucratic appointments without following due process. These moves came shortly after renewed unrest in parts of Manipur, where the Kuki and Meitei communities have been embroiled in conflict since May 2023.

Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) President Keisham Meghachandra alleged that the BJP-led government is "bulldozing democratic institutions" under the guise of maintaining law and order.

“The Chief Minister is running the state like a personal fiefdom. The constitutional machinery has collapsed,” said Meghachandra at a press conference in Imphal.
Read more on The Hindu

BJP’s Response and Its Broader Strategy

In response to the allegations, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh defended his administration, stating that the decisions were made "in the larger interest of stability and governance." He also dismissed the Congress’ charges as "politically motivated" and "misleading."

However, critics argue that the BJP’s moves are part of a centralized approach to consolidate power in the northeast, often at the cost of federal principles. This is not the first time the BJP has faced allegations of bypassing democratic frameworks in regional states. Similar charges were raised during the Maharashtra and Karnataka political transitions.

For further background on BJP's central-state dynamics, India Today’s analysis offers an in-depth review.

Legal and Constitutional Concerns

Legal experts have raised red flags about several recent orders passed by the Manipur government. Key concerns include:

• Lack of cabinet approval for administrative overhauls

• Unilateral dissolution of village councils in tribal areas

• Use of emergency powers without Assembly oversight

According to constitutional scholar Faizan Mustafa, "The state must operate within the spirit of the Constitution, even in times of crisis. The BJP government in Manipur appears to be acting outside that spirit."
Read his opinion on The Indian Express

The Role of the Governor and Centre

Adding fuel to the fire, the Congress has written to the Governor of Manipur and the President of India, requesting immediate intervention and possibly invoking Article 356 of the Indian Constitution if the state fails to restore constitutional order.

It remains to be seen whether the Union Government, also led by the BJP, will support such an action. So far, the Centre has maintained a strategic silence, only noting that it is “monitoring the situation closely.”

Press release from PIB confirms the Ministry of Home Affairs is in contact with state authorities but provides no concrete roadmap.

Growing Civil Society Anger

Public sentiment in Manipur is shifting. Protests in Imphal, Churachandpur, and Kangpokpi have resumed with renewed energy, this time demanding not just communal peace but political accountability.

Human rights groups like People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) and international observers have noted increasing concerns about civil liberties violations, press censorship, and paramilitary overreach.

A detailed dossier by Human Rights Watch accuses the state government of allowing impunity to flourish amid ethnic conflict and political chaos.

A Test for India’s Democracy

What’s unfolding in Manipur isn’t just a state-level governance dispute — it’s a litmus test for Indian democracy’s resilience in the face of political centralization, ethnic strife, and constitutional bypasses.

With the 2025 assembly elections approaching, the crisis could have ripple effects beyond the northeast, challenging the BJP’s narrative of national unity and strong governance.

Final Thoughts

Whether the Congress' challenge results in concrete change or fizzles out depends on several factors — judicial intervention, civil society mobilization, and Centre-state coordination. But one thing is clear: Manipur has become ground zero for debates around democratic accountability, federalism, and the rule of law.

As India continues to evolve politically, the Manipur crisis will serve as a critical case study in how regional challenges intersect with national governance — for better or worse.