Union Cabinet approves the President’s Rule in Puducherry

Comes days after Congress-led government had lost power during a vote of confidence

• The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to impose President’s Rule in Puducherry
• This proposal was approved days after the Congress-led government in the union territory lost power after a vote of confidence
• The President’s rule is imposed in accordance with the Article 356 of the Constitution

Highlights of the Union Cabinet’s decision on President’s rules

• The decision was taken as no party claimed to form a government in Puducherry following the resignation of the chief minister there
• Subsequently, the Lieutenant General had recommended President’s Rule in Puducherry and the Union Cabinet has approved the same
• Further necessary steps for administrative work in Puducherry would be taken soon
• The model code of conduct was expected to come into effect soon after the Election Commission announces the dates for elections there, along with four states
• Political analysts mentioned that government was toppled through undemocratic and scrupulous designs and the conspiracy hatched by the BJP in coordination with the AINRC and AIADMK
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a public meeting organized by the BJP in Puducherry on Thursday and also inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of various development projects for the poll-bound UT

President’s Rule in India

• The President’s Rule in India is the suspension of state government and imposition of Union government rule
• The President’s rule is imposed in accordance with the Article 356 of the Constitution
• It is imposed when a state government is unable to function as per the Constitutional provisions
• Following this, the executive authority is exercised by the centrally appointed governor
• The governor can also appoint other administrators to assist them
• Under the President’s rule, the council of minister is dissolved and the office of chief minister is vacated
• Also, the Vidhan Sabha is either prorogued or dissolved and it is reconstituted only after the election
• As of now, Chhattisgarh and Telangana are the only states where President’s rule has not been imposed

Vote of No confidence in India

• It is a statement or vote about whether a person in a position of responsibility (government, managerial, etc.) is no longer deemed fit to hold that position, perhaps because they are inadequate in some aspect, are failing to carry out obligations, or are making decisions that other members feel as being detrimental
• As a parliamentary motion, it demonstrates to the head of state that the elected parliament no longer has confidence in (one or more members of) the appointed government
• In some countries, if a no confidence motion is passed against an individual minister they have to resign along with the entire council of ministers

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