Manipur Law and Legislative Affairs Minister Thounaojam Basantakumar has addressed allegations regarding the state government’s failure to convene three sessions of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly in 2024. His response followed reports in local newspapers and statements made by the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) during a press briefing on December 21, 2024.
Basantakumar emphasized that the state government has always worked to comply with constitutional provisions and the rules set by the Manipur Legislative Assembly. He highlighted that in normal times, the government has consistently managed to convene three sessions annually, referencing the years 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020.
The minister also noted that past governments have occasionally faced challenges in meeting the prescribed requirements under Rule 17A of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Manipur Legislative Assembly. He pointed to instances such as 2003, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2016, when only two sessions were held.
Attributing the recent session shortfall to exceptional circumstances, Basantakumar cited the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic since 2021 and the violence that erupted on May 3, 2023, as key factors disrupting the legislative schedule.
Despite these setbacks, the minister assured that the government remains committed to fulfilling its constitutional obligations. He stated that efforts are in place to ensure the proper implementation of legislative provisions, even amidst the prevailing law and order challenges, reaffirming the government’s dedication to upholding legislative norms in the future.