Manipur gets a new elected government as Yumnam Khemchand Singh takes oath as Chief Minister, ending President’s Rule and pledging peace, inclusion and development
Bharatiya Janata Party leader Yumnam Khemchand Singh was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Manipur on Wednesday, marking the formal end of President’s Rule and the return of an elected government in a state that has endured prolonged political uncertainty and ethnic unrest. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla administered the oath of office and secrecy at a ceremony held at the Lok Bhavan in Imphal.
Alongside Khemchand Singh, senior legislators Nemcha Kipgen and Loishi Dikho took oath as Deputy Chief Ministers, reflecting an attempt to give the new administration a broader social and political representation. The swearing-in followed the Centre’s decision earlier in the day to revoke President’s Rule, which had been imposed in February last year after the resignation of then Chief Minister N Biren Singh amid escalating ethnic violence.
End of President’s rule
President’s Rule had been in force in Manipur since February 13, 2025, placing the 60-member state Assembly under suspended animation. The revocation, notified by the Union Home Ministry, came into effect on February 4, 2026, paving the way for the formation of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance government.
The decision brings an end to months of political negotiations and speculation over leadership in the northeastern state. BJP leaders said Yumnam Khemchand Singh was elected unanimously as the leader of the Manipur Legislature Party at a meeting held at the party headquarters in New Delhi, attended by BJP MLAs and senior central observers.
Khemchand Singh, a 61-year-old leader from the Meitei community and a former Assembly Speaker and minister, arrived in Imphal earlier in the day to a warm reception from party workers and supporters. Celebrations were also held at the BJP’s state headquarters, where party cadres hailed the restoration of democratic governance.
Inclusive cabinet
The induction of two Deputy Chief Ministers from different communities has been highlighted as a key feature of the new government. Nemcha Kipgen, a BJP leader from the Kuki tribal community, is the lone woman minister in the council, while Loishi Dikho, a senior leader of the Naga People’s Front, represents the Naga community. Both leaders took oath along with two other ministers — Govindas Konthoujam of the BJP and Khuraijam Loken Singh of the National People’s Party.
Speaking after taking oath, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh said Manipur was home to 36 communities and that the government would work to safeguard the interests of all sections of society. He said the administration’s focus would be on restoring peace, rebuilding trust and strengthening ethnic harmony across the state.
New Deputy Chief Minister Loishi Dikho echoed the emphasis on inclusiveness, stating that reaching out to every community and addressing people’s aspirations would be the guiding principle of the new government.
BJP cadre, leaders express hope
BJP leaders and workers expressed optimism that the return of an elected government would help stabilise the state. BJP Mahila Morcha president Loteeka Leima described the swearing-in as a moment of joy and responsibility, saying the party now had significant work ahead to bring peace and development to every corner of Manipur.
Vice President of the BJP Kisan Morcha, Khawungsing Shimray, thanked the Centre for its role during the period of President’s Rule and expressed hope that close coordination between the Centre and the state would help restore normalcy. He said both governments would work together regardless of challenges to ensure peace and progress for the people.
BJP state president Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi said the BJP-led government had returned with a renewed commitment to development and governance, adding that the administration would continue to prioritise stability and welfare.
PM Modi expresses confidence
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Yumnam Khemchand Singh and the newly sworn-in ministers, expressing confidence that the government would work diligently to accelerate development and prosperity in Manipur. In a post on X, the Prime Minister said he was confident the leadership would serve the people with dedication.
Khemchand Singh, in turn, said he would strive to live up to the trust placed in him by the Prime Minister, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP President Nitin Nabin. He also reiterated that Manipur would play an important role in achieving the national vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.
The formation of the new government comes against the backdrop of the ethnic violence that erupted in May 2023, which left more than 260 people dead, displaced over 70,000 and deeply polarised communities. A Commission of Inquiry appointed to probe the violence has been asked to submit its report by May 20, 2026.
