Manipur Welcomes New Chief Minister as NDA Government Returns to Power
In a significant political development for the northeastern state, Yumnam Khemchand Singh was sworn in as the new chief minister of Manipur on Wednesday. The ceremony at Lok Bhavan in Imphal marked the restoration of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in the state, following the revocation of the nearly year-long President's Rule. This period of central rule had been imposed in response to the devastating Meitei-Kuki ethnic conflict that has deeply affected the region.
A Deliberately Inclusive Cabinet Formation
The new cabinet represents a conscious effort to balance representation among Manipur's major communities. BJP's Kuki legislator Nemcha Kipgen and Naga MLA Losii Dikho of the ally Naga People's Front were inducted as deputy chief ministers. Senior BJP legislator Konthoujam Govindas and Khuraijam Loken Singh of the National People's Party (NPP) took oath as cabinet ministers.
Governor AK Bhalla administered the oath of office and secrecy to all four leaders. Notably, Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen participated in the ceremony virtually from Manipur Bhawan in New Delhi. This event signifies the fragile state's return to representative governance, establishing a new power equation designed to address the fractured ethnic landscape.
Background of Conflict and the Path to Governance
The formation of this government comes after two years of ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities, which claimed over 260 lives and displaced thousands of people. The state Assembly had been under suspended animation since February 2025. The new administration faces the immense challenge of rebuilding trust and fostering reconciliation among communities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to the new chief minister and the newly inducted ministers. In a post on the social media platform X, he expressed confidence that the team would "work diligently towards furthering development and prosperity for my sisters and brothers of Manipur."
Statements from the New Leadership
In his first reaction after taking the oath, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh emphasized his commitment to fulfilling the faith placed in him by Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Speaking to the media outside Lok Bhavan, he highlighted the state's diversity, stating, "Manipur comprises 36 communities and the state was taken care of for long by these communities. Our hope now is for all to help in bringing a peaceful atmosphere." He added his determination to take forward the trust shown by the central leadership.
Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho echoed this sentiment of reconciliation, stating, "We hope to fulfill the aspirations of the people of the state. Our first task is to reach out to them. Inclusiveness is the new mantra of the government." When questioned about potential action against armed groups that have issued threats to Kuki legislators participating in the government formation, Dikho responded affirmatively with, "Why not."
Political Support and Notable Attendance
Khemchand Singh was elected leader of the BJP legislature party on Tuesday after party central leaders held a meeting in Delhi with NDA MLAs from Manipur. The new government has received unconditional support from four political parties: the NPP with six MLAs, the NPF with five MLAs, the JD(U) with one MLA, and two independent legislators, according to a Lok Bhavan statement.
A notable aspect of the swearing-in ceremony was the attendance of two Kuki-Zo MLAs, LM Khaute and Ngursanglur Sanate, among other legislators, including those from the opposition Congress. This marked the first time in over two years that Kuki-Zo MLAs set foot in Imphal, following the outbreak of clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities in May 2023.
Immediate Government Actions and Civil Society Stance
Following the ceremony, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh was felicitated at the party office, Thambal Sanglen, in Imphal. He reiterated that he and his cabinet would prioritize activities to ensure the return of peace and normalcy in the state, appealing for peace and harmony among the 36 communities.
However, challenges remain. The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), a Kuki civil society organization, has taken a hard line against its 10 MLAs joining any new government. They have warned that if these MLAs defy the collective decision, they would be doing so "at their own risk."
Initial Governance Steps
Earlier on Wednesday, Khemchand Singh, accompanied by party leaders including central observer Tarun Chugh, BJP state unit president A. Sharda Devi, BJP northeast coordinator Sambit Patra, former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, and five other MLAs from alliance partners, called on Governor Bhalla to stake claim to form the government.
Immediately after the swearing-in, Khemchand Singh chaired a cabinet meeting at the Chief Minister's bungalow in the evening. An official statement noted that "the meeting marked the beginning of collective decision-making and governance for the newly constituted state cabinet." Sources indicate that the state assembly session is expected to commence from Friday, setting the stage for the new government's legislative agenda.
