New Delhi, (UNI) The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday selected Yumnam Khemchand Singh as its choice for the post of Manipur Chief Minister, a northeastern Indian state that has been under President’s Rule for nearly a year.
The position has remained vacant since N. Biren Singh resigned on Feb. 9, 2025, amid months of ethnic violence that destabilised the state. President’s Rule was imposed shortly afterwards.
Y K Singh’s nomination was announced after he was elected leader of the BJP’s legislative party in Manipur at a meeting held in New Delhi, party officials said.
His elevation comes at a crucial time as the party looks to consolidate its leadership amid ongoing political developments in the state.
The state has remained under central rule since February 13, 2025 and the one-year constitutional limit of President’s Rule (PR) is approaching fast.
BJP sources said that the party decided to bring back an elected government instead of prolonging President’s rule.
However, as the term of the present Assembly ends in March 2027, bringing back the BJP-led state government would be for just a year.
In the last state assembly polls held in 2022, the BJP won 32 seats, crossing the majority mark of 31 seats and thereby securing an absolute majority on its own, unlike in 2017, when it was not the single largest party and had to depend upon a clutch of parties, such as NPP, Naga People’s Front, to stake claim.
The Manipur crisis, which started on May 3, 2023, with the burning of offices, attacks on villagers, and arson in Churachandpur district, became a full-blown conflict between two communities, which led to the displacement of 60,000 people and the deaths of about 260 people from both communities.
Manipur has experienced conflicts in the past, including the Kuki–Hmar conflict, the conflict with the Nagas, which lasted for almost a decade, the Kuki–Paite conflict, and the Meitei–Meitei Pangal conflict. However, the intensity of this conflict and its duration has puzzled and worried observers.
Meanwhile, Khemchand, in a post expressed his gratitude to top BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, union Home Minister Amit Shah and new party National President Nitin Nabin and all party MLAs in Manipur for reposing their trust in him.
“I accept this responsibility with humility and a deep sense of commitment. I shall work with utmost sincerity to honour the trust placed in me and strive towards realising the vision of Viksit Bharat and Viksit Manipur, ensuring peace, dignity, and inclusive development.
“At the same time, I remain dedicated to fostering empathy, compassion, and harmony among all communities, respecting our diversity while strengthening unity,” he said.
Khemchand was the Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly from 2017 to 2022 during the first N Biren Singh government.
Khemchand may be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Manipur on Feb 4 or 5 along with some other ministers at Lok Bhawan. Former Chief Minister N Biren Singh, Speaker Th Satyabrata, BJP state President, A Sharda were among those who were present in the meeting.
In the second N Biren Singh government, Khemchande served as a Cabinet Minister holding the portfolios of Municipal Administration, Housing Development (MAHUD) department, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj .
The BJP Parliamentary Board on Monday appointed Tarun Chugh as the central observer to oversee the process of electing the BJP legislative party leader in Manipur which is a formal step in preparing for government installation.
Meanwhile, celebrations have begun at Yumnam Khemchand’s residence in Singjamei. His supporters blasted crackers, and his residence was packed with people as soon as the news of his election spread.
