Yumnam Khemchand Singh To Take Charge As Manipur’s New Chief Minister

BJP legislators elected former Manipur Assembly Speaker Yumnam Khemchand Singh as the party’s Legislature Party Leader, paving the way for him to become the next Chief Minister of the state. The party announced the decision after a key meeting of BJP legislators in New Delhi on Tuesday.

Manipur has remained under President’s Rule since February 13 last year, imposed shortly after the resignation of former Chief Minister N Biren Singh amid sustained ethnic unrest. With the central rule set to expire on February 12, the BJP’s decision marks a crucial step towards restoring an elected government.

A veteran BJP leader belonging to the Meitei community, the 61-year-old Singh has previously served as the state’s Rural Development Minister. He has represented the Singjamei constituency in the Manipur Assembly after winning elections in both 2017 and 2022, earning a reputation as a seasoned and pragmatic legislator.

Symbolic Outreach to Hill Districts

In a significant gesture during a period of deep ethnic divisions, Singh recently visited the tribal-dominated hill districts of Ukhrul and Kamjong. This visit was the first by a Meitei leader to these areas since violence broke out in May 2023 and was viewed as an attempt to rebuild trust and open channels of dialogue.

The BJP began consultations to appoint a new Chief Minister after extensive discussions within the party. The Parliamentary Board appointed national General Secretary Tarun Chugh as the Central Observer to oversee the selection.

Several senior leaders, including Biren Singh, Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh and state BJP president Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi, joined party MLAs in New Delhi during the deliberations.

The BJP commands a strong position in the 60-member Manipur Assembly with 37 MLAs. Support from NDA allies — the National People’s Party with six members and the Naga People’s Front with five — along with backing from three Independent legislators, provides the alliance with a comfortable majority.

With Yumnam Khemchand Singh set to assume office, attention will now turn to restoring political stability, addressing ethnic tensions and reviving governance in Manipur after a prolonged period of central administration.

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