Manipur – President’s rule in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur was revoked on Wednesday. Following this, Yumnam Khemchand Singh, leader of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), took oath as the Chief Minister of Manipur at a ceremony held at the Lok Bhavan, where he was administered the oath of office and secrecy. Earlier, the 62-year-old Khemchand Singh was elected leader of the BJP legislative party in a meeting held in New Delhi on Tuesday.
After a long period under President’s rule, the conflict-ridden state now has a new Chief Minister. Khemchand Singh, a leader from the Meitei community with expertise in martial arts, took the oath as the new head of the state government. Prior to this, he met the Governor of Manipur to stake claim for forming the government.
Alongside him, BJP legislator Nemcha Kipgen took oath as Deputy Chief Minister. Kipgen belongs to the Kuki community. Additionally, L Dikho of the Naga People’s Front also took oath as Deputy Chief Minister. BJP’s Govindas Konthoujam and NPP’s K.K. Loken Singh were sworn in as ministers. Nemcha Kipgen took her oath digitally from the Manipur Bhavan in New Delhi.
After taking the oath, Chief Minister Khemchand said, “Manipur will play a key role in a developed India 2047. The state is home to 36 communities, and we aim to establish a peaceful environment.”
The BJP legislative party meeting was held on Tuesday in New Delhi, where consensus was reached on Khemchand Singh’s leadership. The meeting was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President Nitin Naveen, and party observer Tarun Chugh.
Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh had preferred another candidate for the post, but his recommendation was not accepted this time. Biren had wanted Meitei leader Govind Das to become Chief Minister. According to party sources, due to tensions between the Kuki and Meitei communities, Biren had repeatedly defied directions from the central leadership. He was, however, assured a seat in the Rajya Sabha.
The biggest challenge for the new Chief Minister will be maintaining a balance between the Meitei and Kuki communities ahead of the state assembly elections scheduled for March 2026. The party aims to restore stability and peace in the state before the polls.
It is notable that President’s rule had been in effect in Manipur since February 2025. The measure was imposed after ethnic violence erupted between the Meitei and Kuki communities in May 2023, which led to the resignation of former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. The 12th Assembly of Manipur is expected to convene its seventh session starting February 6.
