New Delhi: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Yumnam Khemchand Singh is set to become the next Chief Minister of Manipur after being unanimously elected as the leader of the BJP Legislature Party. The decision clears the way for formation of a popular government in the state, where President’s Rule will complete one year on February 13.
The announcement followed a crucial meeting in New Delhi attended by BJP lawmakers from Manipur along with leaders of National Democratic Alliance allies. The party’s central observer Tarun Chugh and northeast in charge Sambit Patra were present during the consultations that led to the selection of the new leader.
Khemchand, aged 61, is regarded within the party as a balanced and non confrontational figure capable of managing diverse political interests in a sensitive state. Sources described him as an administrator who relies on organisational discipline and quiet consensus rather than aggressive political rhetoric, a quality seen as important during the current transition phase.
The Manipur assembly has remained under suspended animation since February 2025 after central rule was imposed. The 60 member House includes 37 BJP legislators, making the party the dominant force. Besides the BJP, the assembly has representation from the National People’s Party, Naga People’s Front, Congress, Kuki People’s Alliance, Janata Dal United and a few independent members. One seat is currently vacant following the death of a legislator.
Khemchand represents the Singjamei constituency in Imphal West district and has long experience in governance and legislative affairs. He served as a cabinet minister in the previous state government from 2022 until the imposition of President’s Rule, handling important departments such as municipal administration, housing, rural development, panchayati raj and education.
Earlier, he was the Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly from 2017 to 2022, a tenure that strengthened his reputation as a skilled parliamentary manager. Before entering full time politics, he was involved in business and was also an accomplished Taekwondo player. His dedication to the martial art was recently recognised by an international federation in South Korea.
With his election as legislature party leader, the process for restoring an elected government in Manipur is expected to begin soon, marking a significant step toward political normalcy in the state.
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