Feb. 13, 2025: Criticizing the current political situation in Manipur, President of the Manipur Congress, MLA K Meghachandra, has expressed concerns over the lack of strong leadership and the ongoing political turmoil in the state.
Meghachandra slammed both the state and central governments for what he described as the “dictate nature” of the Centre, which, according to him, the state government has been following without question.
“The state government has been reduced to following orders from the Centre without any opposition. The Centre tells them to stand, they stand; it tells them to sit, they sit,” said Meghachandra.
He emphasized that this subservience has led to a weakening of Manipur’s political autonomy, leaving its people vulnerable to the whims of the central government.
He added, “If the leadership was strong, Manipur could face any eventuality from the Centre and stand on its own.”
The Congress leader took direct aim at the Centre’s role in the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, alleging that the BJP-led government in Manipur has been unable to make crucial decisions independently.
“If the Centre can make the CM resign immediately after returning from Delhi, appointing a new CM should be no problem. The ongoing delay tactics being employed by the central leadership, particularly through BJP Northeast in-charge Sambit Patra, seem to be a deliberate attempt to undermine the legislators of Manipur,” he said.
According to Meghachandra, the delay in appointing a new leader is more than just a political maneuver; it is a clear attempt to implement President’s Rule (PR) in Manipur, a move he believes would disrespect the people’s mandate.
“There is a constitutional crisis here, as Article 174 of the Constitution mandates that no more than six months should pass between two legislative sessions. The Centre’s failure to act shows a lack of respect for the people of Manipur and their elected representatives.”
Meghachandra further emphasized that the nearly two-year-long crisis in Manipur was a direct result of the absence of strong, decisive leadership.
“The people of Manipur need a leader who can rise above petty politics and unite the state. We need a leader who will stand by the rules and fulfill the promises made to the people of Manipur,” he said.
In a call for unity among the state’s legislators, Meghachandra concluded, “The time has come for the legislators of Manipur to put aside differences and work towards the greater cause of the state. Manipur deserves strong leadership that will prioritize its welfare over political games.”
