Y Khemchand Singh Sworn in as Manipur Chief Minister, Ending President's Rule
In a significant political development, Bharatiya Janata Party leader Y Khemchand Singh was sworn in as the chief minister of Manipur on Wednesday, marking the end of President's rule in the ethnic violence-torn state. The ceremony took place following the National Democratic Alliance legislature party's decision to elect the 62-year-old as its leader, paving the way for a new government after months of administrative uncertainty.
Staking Claim and Oath-Taking Ceremony
Earlier in the day, Singh staked claim to form the government before Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Lok Bhavan. The event was attended by senior BJP leaders, including National General Secretary Tarun Chugh and Northeast Coordinator Sambit Patra. Singh expressed his gratitude on social media platform X, stating, "Pleased to stake claim to form the new government before the Hon’ble Governor, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla Ji, at Lok Bhavan today, following my arrival from New Delhi, in the august presence of BJP National General Secretary, Shri Tarun Chugh Ji, and BJP Northeast Coordinator, Shri Sambit Patra Ji."
Simultaneously, Kuki BJP MLA Nemcha Kipgen took oath as the deputy chief minister of Manipur virtually, adding representation from the Kuki community in the state's leadership. The Ministry of Home Affairs announced the immediate revocation of President's rule, which had been in place since February last year amid ongoing ethnic tensions.
NDA Unanimous Support and Leadership Election
The move to form the government followed a crucial meeting of the Manipur BJP legislature party at the party's headquarters in New Delhi. Out of the state's 37 BJP MLAs, 35 participated in the meeting, which was overseen by central observer Tarun Chugh, BJP's northeast in-charge Sambit Patra, and state president A Sharda Devi. The gathering unanimously elected Singh as the party's legislative leader.
Subsequently, a separate meeting was held at the Manipur Bhavan in the national capital, bringing together MLAs from the NDA's constituent parties in the state along with BJP legislators. Representatives from the National People's Party, Naga People's Front, and independent members joined the discussions, offering their unanimous backing to Singh as the NDA legislature party leader. Nemcha Kipgen was endorsed as the deputy leader, ensuring broad coalition support for the new administration.
Background and Political Context
The swearing-in comes after former chief minister N Biren Singh stepped down in February 2025 following widespread criticism over his government's handling of ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The violence, which erupted in May 2023, led to significant unrest and ultimately prompted the imposition of President's rule in the state. The central government's decision to revoke this rule signals a return to elected governance in Manipur, with hopes for stability and reconciliation.
The new government faces the formidable challenge of addressing the deep-rooted ethnic divisions and restoring peace in the region. With a coalition-backed leadership and representation from key communities, there is cautious optimism about the potential for improved governance and conflict resolution in Manipur.
