Yumnam Khemchand Singh Set to Become Manipur’s New Chief Minister After Nearly One Year of President’s Rule
Imphal/New Delhi, February 3, 2026: In a significant political development, senior BJP leader Yumnam Khemchand Singh has been elected as the leader of the BJP Legislature Party in Manipur. This paves the way for him to be sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Manipur, bringing an end to nearly one year of President’s Rule in the northeastern state.
The election of Yumnam Khemchand Singh as the BJP legislative party leader took place during a meeting of party MLAs in New Delhi on Tuesday. Sources indicate that an NDA meeting will soon endorse his leadership, allowing the formation of a new government ahead of the completion of one full year of central rule, which began on February 13, 2025.
President’s Rule was imposed in Manipur following the resignation of former Chief Minister N Biren Singh amid prolonged ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities that erupted in May 2023 and continued to impact stability. The state has remained under central administration since early 2025, with the Assembly kept in suspended animation.
Yumnam Khemchand Singh, a two-term MLA from the Singjamei constituency (elected in 2017 and 2022), brings considerable experience to the role. He previously served as Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly from 2017 to 2022 and held key ministerial portfolios, including rural development, education, housing, and municipal administration in earlier BJP governments.
Notably, Singh has been viewed as a bridge-builder in the ethnically divided state. Reports highlight his outreach efforts, including visits to Kuki-Zo relief camps, and his acceptability across communities, including Nagas and Kukis. His election was reportedly unopposed, with significant participation from BJP’s Kuki-Zo MLAs in the legislature party meeting.
This move by the BJP signals a concerted effort to restore an elected government in Manipur, addressing both constitutional requirements and the need for political stability in the region. Singh’s leadership is expected to focus on reconciliation, peace-building, and governance revival following months of central oversight.
The swearing-in ceremony for Yumnam Khemchand Singh as Manipur Chief Minister is anticipated soon, potentially including deputy chief ministers to represent diverse interests within the NDA coalition.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Manipur transitions back to elected rule.
