Manipur Gets New CM As President’s Rule Is Withdrawn; Khemchand Singh To Take Oath This Evening

The Centre on Wednesday revoked President’s Rule in Manipur, clearing the way for the formation of a new NDA government led by senior BJP leader Yumnam Khemchand Singh.

The decision ends nearly a year of central administration in the violence-hit northeastern state and restores an elected government.

In an official notification, the Union Home Ministry said President Droupadi Murmu exercised powers under Article 356(2). She withdrew the proclamation imposed on February 13, 2025.

The order takes effect from February 4, 2026, enabling the state government to resume full constitutional functioning.

Manipur came under President’s Rule four days after former Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned on February 9, 2025, amid prolonged ethnic unrest.

The violence began on May 3, 2023, after a Tribal Solidarity March opposed the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status.

Clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities claimed more than 260 lives, injured nearly 1,500 people, and displaced over 70,000 residents.

With the President’s Rule lifted, the suspended 60-member Manipur Assembly, whose tenure runs until 2027, will now function under an elected government.

Khemchand Singh will take oath as Chief Minister at Lok Bhavan in Imphal at 6 PM. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla will administer the oath of office.

Officials said the swearing-in ceremony may also include several ministers, with one or two Deputy Chief Ministers likely.

There is also speculation that the new cabinet could include representation from the Kuki-Zo community.

Earlier in the day, Khemchand Singh met the Governor at Lok Bhavan. He formally staked his claim to form the government. He arrived with BJP Central Observer Tarun Chugh and the party’s Northeast coordinator Sambit Patra.

Former Chief Minister Biren Singh, state BJP president Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi, and several BJP legislators also accompanied him.

The Governor subsequently invited him to form the government.

The BJP announced Khemchand Singh as Manipur’s next Chief Minister on Tuesday.

Party legislators elected him as the Legislature Party Leader at a meeting in New Delhi.

Former Chief Minister Biren Singh proposed his name during the meeting attended by BJP MLAs and senior central leaders.

The BJP holds 37 seats in the Manipur Assembly. Its NDA allies, the National People’s Party and the Naga People’s Front, hold six and five seats respectively, ensuring a comfortable majority.

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