BJP MLA Thongam Bishwajit sidesteps comment on President’s Rule extension in Manipur

Former BJP minister and sitting MLA Thongam Bishwajit Singh on Friday declined to comment on the Centre's move to extend President’s Rule in Manipur for another six months.

Singh was attending the Kargil Vijay Diwas observance held at the MFSDS Auditorium in Palace Compound under Imphal East district. On the sidelines of the event, when asked by media persons about the recent resolution moved by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the Rajya Sabha, Singh responded tersely, “I am not the right person to answer that question.”

He, however, emphasised the need for peace in the state, saying, “Let peace prevail first.”

The Union government on Friday moved a statutory resolution seeking approval to extend President’s Rule in Manipur till February 2026. The extension will come into effect from August 13, 2025.

Also Read: Manipur Congress slams Centre over move to extend President’s Rule in state

A Rajya Sabha Parliamentary bulletin read, “That this House approves the continuance in force of the Proclamation dated the 13th February, 2025, in respect of Manipur, issued under Article 356 of the Constitution by the President, for a further period of six months with effect from 13th August, 2025.”

President's Rule was imposed in the state on February 13, 2025—three days after the resignation of former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. Though the Manipur Legislative Assembly remains under suspended animation, some BJP MLAs have recently expressed hope for the early formation of a popular government.

In contrast, the Centre’s decision to extend President's Rule suggests a delay in political normalcy, despite ongoing efforts by BJP leaders within the state.