Yumnam Y. Khemchand Singh Sworn In as Manipur Chief Minister, President’s Rule Ends
BJP leader Yumnam Y. Khemchand Singh takes oath as the 13th CM of Manipur as Ajay Kumar Bhalla administers oath at Raj Bhavan; two Deputy CMs also inducted
After months of President's rule in Manipur, a new government has finally been formed. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Yumnam Y. Khemchand Singh was sworn in as the 13th Chief Minister of Manipur on Wednesday. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla administered the oath of office and secrecy to him at a ceremony held at the Raj Bhavan.
Khemchand was elected leader of the BJP legislative party
Before taking the oath, Khemchand Singh met with the Governor and staked claim to form the government. Khemchand Singh, MLA from Singjamei, was elected leader of the BJP legislative party following a recent meeting of NDA leaders in Delhi. He is considered close to former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and belongs to the Meitei community.
Two Deputy Chief Ministers also took charge
Two Deputy Chief Ministers were also sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister in the new government. BJP's Nemcha Kipgen, who belongs to the Kuki community, was sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister virtually from New Delhi. She became the state's first female Deputy Chief Minister from this community. Meanwhile, Losi Dikho of the Naga People's Front has been appointed Deputy Chief Minister. Govindas Konthoujam of the BJP and K.H. Loken of the NPP were also sworn in as ministers.
Restoration of Power After President's Rule
President's rule was imposed in Manipur in February 2025 following the resignation of former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. Parliament approved a six-month extension, which was set to expire this month. Now, with the formation of a new government, President's rule has ended.
Who is Y. Khemchand Singh?
62-year-old Khemchand Singh has become an MLA for the second time. He also served as the Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly from 2017 to 2022 and later held key portfolios such as Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, and Education. He entered politics in 2002 and joined the BJP in 2013.
Showing a message of harmony in a time of crisis
During the ethnic tensions, Khemchand Singh was the only Meitei MLA to visit the Kuki-Jo relief camp. Besides politics, he is also a renowned martial artist and the first Indian to achieve a 5th Dan black belt in traditional Taekwondo.