New Delhi | February 3, 2026
Senior BJP leader Yumnam Khemchand Singh was elected as the BJP Legislature Party leader in Manipur on Tuesday, a key political development that clears the path for the formation of a popular government in the northeastern state after nearly a year of President’s rule.
With this decision, Singh is set to take charge as the next Chief Minister of Manipur, pending formal endorsement by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Key Highlights
Woman Kuki Leader Nemcha Kipgen Likely to Be Deputy Chief Minister
In a significant move reflecting political and ethnic balancing, Nemcha Kipgen, a prominent woman Kuki leader and former state minister, is likely to be appointed as the Deputy Chief Minister in the new government, according to party sources.
NDA Meet to Seal Leadership Decision
A joint meeting of NDA legislators is scheduled for Tuesday night, where the names of Khemchand Singh and Nemcha Kipgen are expected to receive formal approval.
BJP Legislature Party Meeting Held in Delhi
The leadership decision was taken during a meeting of BJP MLAs held at the party’s national headquarters in New Delhi.
Key Leaders Present
The meeting was attended by:
- Former Chief Minister N Biren Singh
- Manipur Assembly Speaker Satyabrata Singh
- BJP Manipur President A Sharda Devi
- BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh (Central Observer)
- BJP Northeast In-charge Sambit Patra
All BJP MLAs attended the meeting except two who were unwell.
President’s Rule Nearing Expiry
The leadership decision comes just days before the second phase of President’s Rule expires on February 12, 2026.
Background
- President’s Rule was imposed in Manipur on February 13, 2025
- The 60-member Assembly, whose term runs till 2027, was placed under suspended animation
- The BJP-led government resigned on February 9, 2025
Strength of Parties in Manipur Assembly
Currently, the BJP enjoys a strong position in the state Assembly.
Assembly Composition
- BJP: 37 MLAs
- NPP: 6 MLAs
- NPF: 5 MLAs
- Congress: 5 MLAs
- Kuki People’s Alliance: 2 MLAs
- JD(U): 1 MLA
- Independents: 3 MLAs
- Vacant Seats: 1
The NPP and NPF are NDA allies, strengthening the BJP’s claim to form a stable government.
Efforts to Restore Political Stability
Over the past few months, the BJP’s central leadership held multiple rounds of discussions with:
- Meitei and Kuki BJP MLAs
- NDA allies NPP and NPF
- Independent legislators
The aim was to assess whether the ground situation was suitable for restoring an elected government.
On December 14, BJP leaders BL Santhosh and Sambit Patra held a rare joint meeting with MLAs from both Meitei and Kuki communities in Delhi.
Backdrop of Ethnic Violence in Manipur
Manipur has witnessed prolonged ethnic unrest since May 2023, following protests over the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status.
Impact of Violence
- Over 260 people killed
- Thousands displaced
- Large-scale damage to public and private property
After the imposition of President’s Rule, Governor Ajay Bhalla initiated several confidence-building measures, including appeals for the surrender of looted arms.
What This Means for Manipur
The election of Y Khemchand Singh as BJP Legislature Party leader marks a crucial step toward:
- Ending prolonged central rule
- Restoring democratic governance
- Attempting political reconciliation between communities
The inclusion of a woman Kuki leader as Deputy CM is also seen as a strategic move to promote inclusivity and political balance in the conflict-hit state.