Date: February 13, 2025
The imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur has sparked widespread criticism, with opposition leaders and political analysts calling it a belated admission of the BJP-led government’s complete inability to govern the strife-torn state. The move comes after months of escalating violence, political instability, and administrative paralysis, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of the BJP’s much-touted “double-engine sarkar” in the region.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has remained conspicuously silent on the Manipur crisis for nearly nine months, now faces mounting pressure to take direct responsibility for the situation. Critics argue that the imposition of President’s Rule is a clear acknowledgment of the BJP’s failure to maintain law and order in the state, and they are demanding that PM Modi break his silence, visit Manipur, and present a concrete plan to restore peace and normalcy.
“The imposition of President’s Rule is self-explanatory of the BJP’s failure in Manipur,” said a senior opposition leader. “PM Modi can no longer deny his direct responsibility for the state. It is time for him to step up, visit Manipur, and explain to the people of the state and the nation how he plans to address the crisis.”
The opposition has also highlighted that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is the only national leader to have visited Manipur during the ongoing crisis, underscoring the BJP’s absence and lack of engagement with the people of the state. Gandhi’s visit, which included interactions with affected communities and civil society groups, was widely seen as a stark contrast to the BJP’s approach, which has been criticized as indifferent and disconnected.
The BJP’s “double-engine sarkar” model, which promises coordinated governance between the Centre and the state, has come under severe scrutiny. The collapse of this model in Manipur has raised questions about its viability, particularly in states facing complex challenges. Critics argue that the BJP’s governance model appears to function only in times of political victory and applause, but falters when it comes to accountability and crisis management.
“After nine months of silence, even the BJP has admitted its failure in Manipur,” said a political analyst. “But will PM Modi finally break his silence and visit the state? Or does the ‘double engine’ only work when there’s applause, not accountability?”
As Manipur grapples with unrest and uncertainty, the spotlight remains firmly on PM Modi and the BJP. The people of Manipur, and indeed the entire nation, are waiting to see whether the Prime Minister will take decisive action to address the crisis or continue to remain silent, leaving the state to navigate its challenges without clear leadership from the Centre.
The imposition of President’s Rule may have temporarily addressed the administrative vacuum in Manipur, but it has also exposed the deep-rooted failures of the BJP’s governance. The question now is whether PM Modi will rise to the occasion and demonstrate the leadership that the people of Manipur desperately need.
