Manipur gets a new CM:Y Khemchand Singh sworn in, President’s rule ends after a year of turmoil

Manipur has formally ended nearly a year of President’s Rule , paving the way for an elected government led by senior BJP leader Yumnam Khemchand Singh , who was sworn in as the state’s chief minister on Wednesday evening.

President Droupadi Murmu revoked central rule earlier in the day through a proclamation under Article 356 of the Constitution. The 60-member assembly, whose term runs until 2027, had been under suspended animation since February 13, 2025 , following the resignation of BJP chief minister N Biren Singh .

Biren Singh, a senior BJP leader, had stepped down amid criticism of his handling of prolonged ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki/Zomi communities that erupted in May 2023 . The clashes, triggered by protests against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status, claimed over 260 lives and displaced thousands of people, leaving deep scars on the state’s social fabric.

During central rule, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla oversaw security operations and peace restoration. Over 1,000 armed militants were arrested, and more than 3,000 weapons recovered, leading to a significant reduction in gunfire incidents in both the hills and valley districts. Legislative functions, however, remained on hold until the BJP finalized its leadership decision.

Senior BJP leaders, including BL Santhosh and Sambit Patra , visited Manipur in November 2025 to engage with legislators and local community leaders. In December 2025, a meeting of 34 BJP MLAs, including Biren Singh, was held in Delhi to discuss party strategy and leadership. During a legislature party meeting earlier this week, Y Khemchand Singh , a two-term MLA, former assembly speaker, and Taekwondo black belt, was elected leader of the NDA legislature party and officially staked claim to form the government.

The BJP was able to form the government with a clear majority in the 60-member assembly. The party alone holds 37 seats , including 5 JD(U) MLAs who later joined the BJP, surpassing the halfway mark of 31 seats needed for a simple majority. Including NDA allies National People’s Party (6) , Naga People’s Front (5) , and 3 supportive Independents , the ruling coalition enjoys the support of 51 out of 60 MLAs , giving it an overwhelming 85% working majority .

In a significant move reflecting the state’s ethnic diversity, two deputy chief ministers were sworn in alongside Singh: Nemcha Kipgen from the Kuki community, who became Manipur’s first woman deputy CM, and Losii Dikho from the Naga community. These appointments are seen as efforts to promote inclusive governance and bridge divides after years of unrest.

Despite the formation of the new government, political and constitutional debates continue. The Manipur Congress chief has reportedly approached the High Court challenging aspects of the governor’s actions, while community groups like the Kuki-Zo Council have sought written assurances on autonomy and political representation before fully participating in governance.

The BJP has indicated that the new government will prioritize peace, development, and welfare schemes , aiming to rebuild trust across communities and restore stability to a state that has endured prolonged ethnic tensions and political uncertainty.