President Rule is back in AP after 41 years

The President's Rule has been imposed in Andhra Pradesh after a gap of over 41 years.

The President's Rule was imposed in Andhra Pradesh for the first time on 11th January 1973 following breakdown of Law & Order in the State due to Jai Andhra agitation.

In 1972, Gouthu Latchanna led the Jai Andhra movement started by students of Andhra University demanding the division of Andhra Pradesh into old Andhra state and Telangana state on the issue of "Mulki" rules. There were massive protests across the State. Kakani Venkataratnam, a former minister, died of shock on December 25, 1972, when eight people were killed in police firing.

This forced the government to remove Mulki rules and accept all other demands made by the protestors. A six-point formula was also put in place.

The then Chief Minister P V Narasimha Rao was forced to resign on 10 January 1973 from his post following the resignation of nine ministers from Andhra region. The next day, President's rule was imposed in the State which continued for 11 months till 10th December.

Prior to the formation of Andhra Pradesh, the Andhra State too witnessed President's Rule for about four months. Following loss of majority by the State Government, the President's Rule in Andhra State was imposed on 15th November 1954 and it lasted till 29th March 1955.

The President's Rule refers to Article 356 of the Constitution of India deals with the failure of the Constitutional machinery in a State. The President's Rule is imposed under different circumstances including the inability of State Legislature to elect a leader as the Chief Minister.