Congress Accuses Amit Shah of ‘Direct Rule’ Over Manipur, Alleges Constitutional Violations

Imphal, April 28:

Congress leader and the party’s Manipur in-charge, Christopher Tilak, on Sunday launched a scathing attack on Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing him of effectively controlling Manipur for years by sidelining elected representatives, and now directly ruling the state following the imposition of President’s Rule.

Speaking at the Congress’s “Samvidhan Bachao Rally” (Save Constitution Rally) in Imphal, Tilak alleged that Shah’s indirect governance had already led to widespread unemployment, a collapse of the education system, and hardships for women and families across the violence-hit state.

“In the name of President’s Rule, Amit Shah has been directly controlling the state,” Tilak charged, claiming that Manipur has been systematically turned into a “laboratory for constitutional violations.” He warned that the very foundations of Indian democracy are being eroded through such practices.

The Congress leader linked the state’s ongoing crises — from governance failures to social unrest — to what he described as repeated breaches of constitutional principles. He urged Congress workers to intensify efforts to educate voters about the importance of safeguarding democracy and to mobilize support ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

Tilak expressed optimism about Congress’s prospects, highlighting the strong support the party received in Manipur during the recent Lok Sabha elections. He voiced confidence that the people of Manipur would choose the “right path” to restore democracy and development in the state.

Manipur has been grappling with ethnic violence since May 2023, which has claimed hundreds of lives and displaced thousands. Although the intensity of violence has lessened, the situation remains tense. Earlier this year, in February, BJP Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned, paving the way for the imposition of President’s Rule.