Congress Calls for Fresh Elections in Manipur Amid President's Rule

In a significant political move, Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka from the Congress party has called for the dissolution of the Manipur Legislative Assembly and the conduction of fresh elections. This demand arises amidst discussions of extending President's rule in the state, despite the BJP's majority. Ulaka's visit to Imphal also included preparations for nationwide protests against the replacement of the MGNREGA Act with the VB–GRAMG Act. The Congress party aims to mobilize support over the next 45 days to address these pressing issues.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 5, 2026, 09:55 IST

Demand for Legislative Assembly Dissolution

IMPHAL, Jan 5: Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) representative for Manipur, has urged for the current Manipur Legislative Assembly to be dissolved and for new elections to take place.

His comments came during a press interaction, where he addressed concerns regarding the potential extension of President’s rule in Manipur following a meeting led by Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the state's ongoing issues.

Ulaka stated, “We are firmly advocating for fresh elections in Manipur, allowing the electorate to choose their representatives, which will help resolve the ongoing challenges.” He noted the unusual scenario where President’s Rule is in effect despite the BJP holding a clear majority in the assembly.

Ulaka's visit to Imphal was part of a preparatory meeting with party leaders aimed at organizing a nationwide protest against the recent replacement of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005, with the new Viksit Bharat—Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB–GRAMG) Act.

He remarked, “The MGNREGA Act has been replaced by the VB–GRAMG, and during the Congress Working Committee meeting, we resolved to initiate nationwide protests over the next 45 days. This meeting is a step towards planning our protest strategy.”

Previously, former Chief Minister of Manipur and senior Congress figure Okram Ibobi Singh had criticized the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance government for substituting MGNREGA with the VB–GRAMG Bill.

On December 22 of the previous year, the President of India approved the VB–GRAMG Bill, 2025, marking a pivotal shift in the nation’s rural employment framework, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

Upon his arrival at Imphal airport, Ulaka was welcomed by K Meghachandra, the president of the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee and current MLA, along with other party officials.