Manipur has finally seen the return of an elected government with Yumnam Khemchand Singh taking charge as the state’s new Chief Minister, bringing an end to nearly a year of President’s Rule.
Who Is Yumnam Khemchand Singh?
Yumnam Khemchand Singh is not new to Manipur’s politics. A senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he has been representing the Singjamei constituency in the Manipur Legislative Assembly since 2017. Over the years, he has earned a reputation as a low-profile but experienced administrator.
Before stepping into the Chief Minister’s role, Singh handled several important responsibilities in earlier governments. He served as a Cabinet Minister for departments such as Rural Development, Municipal Administration, Panchayati Raj, and Education. He also held the position of Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, where he was known for managing proceedings during politically sensitive periods.
Unlike many high-voltage political leaders, Singh is often described as calm, disciplined, and focused more on governance than public confrontation.
Why Manipur Was Under President’s Rule
Manipur was placed under President’s Rule in February 2025 following the resignation of former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, as the state struggled with prolonged ethnic tensions and serious law-and-order challenges. The Centre took over administration to stabilise the situation and prevent further escalation.
As conditions slowly improved, the BJP and its allies decided to restore an elected government, choosing Khemchand Singh as their leader in the Assembly.
Party in Power and the Opposition
The new government is led by the BJP, which is part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The cabinet has been formed with the intention of giving representation to different communities in the state.
On the other side, the Indian National Congress (INC) remains the main opposition party in Manipur, along with a few regional parties and independent MLAs. The opposition has said it will closely watch how the new government handles peace, rehabilitation, and development.
What Lies Ahead
Restoring trust between communities, maintaining peace, and getting development back on track will be the biggest challenges for the new Chief Minister. The coming months will be crucial in deciding whether Manipur can truly move forward.