Manipur entered a new political phase on Wednesday as Yumnam Khemchand Singh took oath as the Chief Minister of the state, just hours after President’s Rule was officially lifted. The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Lok Bhavan, marking the return of an elected government after nearly a year of central rule.
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla administered the oath of office and secrecy to Singh in the presence of senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, NDA allies, and state legislators. The ceremony reflected a carefully managed transition as the NDA moved swiftly to restore an elected administration.
NDA Forms Government After Leadership Consensus
Yumnam Khemchand Singh was earlier elected as the leader of the NDA legislature party, clearing the way for government formation. His elevation comes at a sensitive moment for Manipur, a state still grappling with deep social and political challenges.
Alongside the Chief Minister, BJP MLA Nemcha Kipgen, who belongs to the Kuki community, and Naga People’s Front (NPF) legislator L Dikho were sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers, signaling an attempt to ensure broader community representation.
Meanwhile, Govindas Konthoujam of the BJP and K Loken Singh from the National People’s Party (NPP) took oath as cabinet ministers, completing the first phase of the new council of ministers.
President’s Rule Revoked After Nearly a Year
The oath ceremony followed a crucial constitutional development. On February 4, 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a notification revoking President’s Rule in Manipur, which had been imposed on February 13, 2025.
According to a proclamation published in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary), President Droupadi Murmu exercised her powers under Article 356(2) of the Constitution to withdraw the central rule with immediate effect.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (2) of article 356 of the Constitution, I hereby revoke the Proclamation issued on February 13, 2025, in relation to the State of Manipur,” the proclamation stated.
This decision paved the way for the NDA to swiftly assume governance.
Background: A State Scarred by Prolonged Violence
Manipur has remained under national focus since ethnic violence erupted in May 2023, following a tribal solidarity march opposing the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status. The unrest spiraled into prolonged clashes between Meitei and Kuki groups, destabilizing the state.
Over the past two years, the violence has claimed at least 260 lives, including civilians and security personnel, while thousands were displaced from their homes. Despite curfews, internet shutdowns, and heavy security deployment, tensions persisted across several districts.
In February 2025, then Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned amid internal party deliberations and mounting pressure over the handling of the crisis, leading to the imposition of President’s Rule.
Challenges Ahead for the New Government
As Yumnam Khemchand Singh assumes office, expectations are high. Restoring peace, rebuilding trust among communities, rehabilitating displaced families, and reviving governance structures remain top priorities.
Political observers note that the composition of the new leadership—bringing together representatives from different communities—reflects an effort to strike balance in a deeply divided state.
The coming months will test the new government’s ability to move beyond crisis management and steer Manipur toward stability and reconciliation.
The swearing-in of Yumnam Khemchand Singh as Manipur’s Chief Minister marks a significant political reset after months of uncertainty under President’s Rule. While the restoration of an elected government is a crucial step, the road ahead remains complex. How the new NDA leadership navigates Manipur’s fragile social fabric will shape the state’s future in the years to come.