After nearly a year under President’s Rule, the BJP has named Yumnam Khemchand Singh as its leader in the Manipur Assembly, signaling the return of an elected government in the violence-hit state.
BY PC Bureau
February 4, 2026: In a significant political development in Manipur, senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Yumnam Khemchand Singh has been elected as the party’s legislative party leader, positioning him to become the next Chief Minister of the northeastern state. The announcement comes as President’s Rule, which has governed Manipur for nearly a year, approaches its end.
The decision was taken following a meeting of BJP Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) held in New Delhi, where the party’s lawmakers chose Khemchand Singh as their leader ahead of forming the new state government.
Political Context: Ending President’s Rule
Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 2025, after then-Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned amid ongoing ethnic violence and political instability in the state that began in May 2023. The prolonged unrest between different ethnic communities, particularly the Meitei in the valley and tribal groups in the hills, led to a breakdown of normal governance, prompting the imposition of direct central rule.
With the BJP holding a clear majority in the Manipur Assembly — 37 of the 60 seats — in alliance with smaller partners such as the Naga People’s Front and the JDU, the party is now moving to restore an elected government.
Profile: Who Is Yumnam Khemchand Singh?
Yumnam Khemchand Singh is a seasoned BJP politician from Manipur with an extensive legislative career. He has been elected multiple times from the Singjamei constituency and previously served as the Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly from 2017 to 2022. After his tenure as Speaker, he was appointed a Cabinet Minister in the Biren Singh government, handling key portfolios including Municipal Administration, Housing Development, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, and the Education Department.
Politically, Khemchand Singh is seen as a leader with experience in both legislative affairs and governance. He has also been involved in efforts to build bridges between communities affected by violence — including confidence-building interactions with Kuki residents in conflict-affected areas — a move that drew both praise and criticism.
VIDEO | Yumnam Khemchand Singh has been elected as the legislature party leader in Manipur, will be the next Chief Minister of the state.
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/RoB2Tuk49F
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 3, 2026
BJP Strategy and Party Dynamics
The BJP’s parliamentary board had earlier appointed national general secretary Tarun Chugh as the central observer for the election of the legislative party leader in Manipur, underlining the Centre’s keenness on restoring political stability in the state.
Khemchand Singh’s election as leader reflects the party’s internal consensus and a strategic choice aimed at consolidating support within the BJP’s rank and file. The formal swearing-in as Chief Minister is expected once notifications are issued and procedural formalities with the Governor are completed.
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As Khemchand Singh prepares to take the reins as Chief Minister, he inherits a state grappling with long-standing ethnic tensions and socio-economic disruptions. The new government’s first priorities will likely focus on restoring peace, rebuilding trust across communities, and addressing the humanitarian fallout from years of conflict. Analysts say the transition from President’s Rule back to democratic governance will be a key test of political stability and reconciliation in Manipur.
With the legislative party leadership election concluded, the next steps involve formal invitation by the Governor of Manipur to form the government and a swearing-in ceremony for Yumnam Khemchand Singh as Chief Minister. This marks a pivotal moment in the state’s political trajectory, coming nearly a year after the previous administration was dissolved.
