BJP's new experiment in Manipur; Yumnam Khemchand Singh sworn in as Chief Minister

IMPHAL: The president’s rule in Manipur reached an end as Yumnam Khemchand Singh took charge as the Chief Minister of the state on Wednesday. Singh was sworn in at 6 pm. He was elected the leader of the BJP legislature party in a meeting held yesterday evening. Nemcha Kipgen, a woman leader and a member of the Kuki community, took over as the Deputy Chief Minister. Naga People’s Front's Losii Dikho also took over as the Deputy Chief Minister, and Govindas Konthoujam will be the Home Minister.

An NDA delegation led by Khemchand Singh had met Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Lok Bhavan and sought his permission to form a people's government. The delegation also included two MLAs from the Kuki-dominated districts of Churachandpur and Pherzawl. The 62-year-old Singh was elected the leader of the BJP's legislature party at a meeting held in New Delhi on Tuesday. Senior BJP MLA Thongam Biswajit Singh had earlier said that five MLAs, including him, would be sworn in as ministers.

Yumnam Khemchand was an MLA in 2017 and 2022. He became the Speaker of the Assembly in 2017 and was a member of the Biren Singh government in 2022. Biren Singh, the Chief Minister of Manipur, resigned on February 9 last year in view of the tense situation following the issues between the Meitei-Kuki sects in Manipur. President's rule was imposed in the state on February 13, 2025.