Y Khemchand Singh Takes Oath as Manipur Chief Minister
In a significant political development, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Y Khemchand Singh was sworn in as the chief minister of Manipur on Wednesday. The oath-taking ceremony marks a crucial step in restoring democratic governance in the northeastern state, which had been under President's rule since February last year.
Governor Administers Oath at Lok Bhavan
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla administered the oath of office and secrecy to the 62-year-old legislator at Lok Bhavan in Imphal. The event was attended by numerous BJP legislators, senior party functionaries, and top leaders of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Manipur, signaling a unified front in the state's political landscape.
Deputy Chief Ministers from Kuki and Naga Communities
In a move highlighting inclusivity, BJP MLA Nemcha Kipgen, who belongs to the Kuki community, and Naga People's Front legislator L Dikho were sworn in as deputy chief ministers of Manipur. Notably, Kipgen took her oath virtually from Manipur Bhavan in New Delhi, showcasing the use of technology in official proceedings.
Additional Ministers and Political Backdrop
BJP's Govindas Konthoujam and K Loken Singh of the National People's Party (NPP) were also sworn in as ministers, expanding the council of ministers. This swearing-in ceremony occurred hours after the revocation of President's rule, which had been imposed due to the state's restive conditions.
Context of Ethnic Violence and Political Meetings
Manipur has been grappling with ethnic violence since May 3, 2023, following a tribal solidarity march in hill districts protesting the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status. The conflict has resulted in at least 260 fatalities, including members of both Kuki and Meitei communities as well as security personnel, and has displaced thousands.
Prior to the swearing-in, the BJP legislature party of Manipur elected Y Khemchand Singh as its leader on Tuesday at a meeting in New Delhi. The meeting saw attendance from 35 of the 37 BJP MLAs, along with central observer Tarun Chugh, northeast in-charge Sambit Patra, and state president A Sharda Devi. Subsequently, another meeting at Manipur Bhavan included MLAs from NDA constituents: six from NPP, five from NPF, and three Independents, alongside BJP legislators, ensuring broad-based support for the new government.
