Yumnam Khemchand Singh: The Rise of Manipur's Next Chief Ministerial Candidate
In a significant political development, Yumnam Khemchand Singh, a 62-year-old BJP leader and two-term MLA from Manipur, has been selected as the next Chief Ministerial face for the strife-torn state. This announcement comes after a period of intense internal dissent within the BJP, where Khemchand played a pivotal role in challenging the leadership of former Chief Minister N Biren Singh. His journey from a trusted ally to a vocal critic underscores the shifting dynamics in Manipur's political landscape.
Early Political Career and Alliance with Biren Singh
Khemchand's political roots trace back to 2002, when he began his career alongside N Biren Singh as part of the Democratic Revolutionary People's Party. This party emerged in response to an agitation by Meitei groups against the Government of India's extension of a 1997 ceasefire with the Naga insurgent group NSCN(IM). The controversy centered on a new clause stating the ceasefire would be "without any territorial limits," perceived as a threat to Manipur's territorial integrity. While Biren Singh transitioned to the Congress, Khemchand, a senior taekwondo sportsperson and teacher with a 5th Dan black belt, joined the BJP in 2013 and entered the Manipur legislative assembly in 2017 from the Singjamei constituency.
Role in BJP Governments and Internal Dissent
In the first BJP government led by Biren Singh, Khemchand served as the Speaker of the Assembly, leveraging his experience amid a cohort of greenhorn MLAs. Following the 2022 elections, he became a cabinet minister in the more secure second term. However, as public fury grew over the government's inability to address ongoing conflicts, Khemchand's home in Imphal was attacked with a grenade in October 2023. Despite his ministerial position, he joined dissident BJP MLAs from the Valley in 2024, intensifying pressure on the central leadership, including the Prime Minister's Office, to replace Biren Singh.
As a cabinet minister, Khemchand, along with Speaker Th. Satyabrata Singh, was among the most senior BJP leaders who built this pressure. This ultimately led to Biren Singh's resignation over a year ago. Khemchand was summoned to Delhi by the BJP leadership before the resignation, where he reportedly warned that the government might collapse without a change in leadership. After Biren Singh's resignation, President's Rule was imposed on February 13 last year, but Khemchand advocated for reinstating a popular government as pressure mounted on the Centre.
Outreach and Political Strategy
Maintaining a low profile during much of the state's turmoil, Khemchand dramatically entered the spotlight in December 2025 by visiting a relief camp in a Kuki village in Ukhrul district, a Naga-majority area. He interacted with those displaced by the conflict, with his office sharing photos of him carrying a small girl. Although Kuki-Zo groups dismissed the visit as an "irresponsible publicity stunt," it marked an unprecedented gesture in bridging divides. Political observers note that Khemchand is seen as a trusted RSS figure in the Manipur BJP and is more acceptable to Kuki-Zos and Nagas, who view him as a liberal Meitei, enhancing his appeal amid ongoing political concerns.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Manipur
Yumnam Khemchand Singh's selection as the Chief Ministerial candidate represents a potential turning point for Manipur. His evolution from Biren Singh's ally to a key dissident, coupled with his recent outreach efforts, positions him as a figure capable of navigating the state's deep ethnic and political divides. As Manipur seeks stability and peace, Khemchand's leadership will be closely watched by both local communities and national observers.
