BJP's Yumnam Khemchand Singh Assumes Office as Manipur Chief Minister
In a significant political development, Yumnam Khemchand Singh of the Bharatiya Janata Party was sworn in on Wednesday as the Chief Minister of Manipur, heading the reinstated National Democratic Alliance government. The ceremony, held at Lok Bhavan, marked the end of nearly a year of President's rule in the northeastern state.
Multi-Ethnic Leadership Team Takes Oath
Governor AK Bhalla administered the oath of office to the new leadership team, which includes:
- Nemcha Kipgen, a Kuki legislator, as Deputy Chief Minister
- Losii Dikho, a Naga MLA, as Deputy Chief Minister
- Konthoujam Govindas of BJP as Cabinet Minister
- Khuraijam Loken Singh of NPP as Cabinet Minister
This diverse leadership structure represents a fresh approach to shared governance in Manipur, a state grappling with ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities since violence erupted in May 2023.
End of President's Rule and Political Transition
The swearing-in ceremony concluded a period of direct central rule that began when former Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned amid criticism of his government's handling of the ethnic conflict. Khemchand Singh, elected leader of the BJP legislature party on Tuesday, formally staked claim to form the government after meeting with Governor Bhalla accompanied by:
- Central observer Tarun Chugh
- BJP's northeast coordinator Sambit Patra
- Former CM N Biren Singh
New Leadership's Vision for Peace and Development
Chief Minister Khemchand Singh, a former assembly speaker from the majority Meitei community, expressed his commitment to fulfilling the faith placed in him by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. "Manipur has 36 communities. Our hope rests on all of them to help establish a peaceful atmosphere," the new CM told reporters, emphasizing his government's inclusive approach.
Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho from the Naga People's Front reinforced this sentiment, stating, "We hope to fulfil the people's aspirations. Our first task is to reach out to them. Inclusiveness is the mantra of this government." When questioned about potential action against armed groups that had threatened Kuki legislators participating in government formation, Dikho responded affirmatively, "Why not?"
Political Support and Controversial Appointments
The BJP-led coalition enjoys support from multiple regional parties:
- National People's Party (6 MLAs)
- Naga People's Front (5 MLAs)
- Janata Dal (United) (1 legislator)
- Two independent MLAs
Notably, the NPP had briefly withdrawn support from the NDA in Manipur in November 2024, citing then-Chief Minister Biren Singh's failure to resolve the ethnic crisis.
The appointment of Nemcha Kipgen as Deputy Chief Minister has drawn criticism from Kuki-Zo organizations advocating for a separate Union territory for their community. Kipgen took her oath via videoconference from Delhi's Manipur Bhawan, while the Kuki-Zo Council warned that any of their 10 MLAs joining the government would do so "at their own risk."
Symbolic Participation and Immediate Governance Actions
In a symbolic development, two Kuki-Zo MLAs—LM Khaute and Ngursanglur Sanate—attended the swearing-in ceremony. This marked the first time in over two years that elected representatives from their community had entered Meitei-majority Imphal.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who visited Manipur in September for the first time since the conflict began, congratulated the new leadership team in a social media post. "I am confident they will work diligently towards furthering development and prosperity for my sisters and brothers of Manipur," he wrote.
The newly formed cabinet held its first meeting at the Chief Minister's official bungalow in the evening, initiating what his office described as "the beginning of collective decision-making and governance for the newly constituted state cabinet."
Legislative Assembly to Reconvene
Sources indicate that the Manipur Legislative Assembly, which has been under suspended animation since February 2025, is likely to reconvene from Friday. This development paves the way for the newly formed government to begin its legislative agenda and address the pressing challenges facing the state.
