Yumnam Khemchand Singh Chosen BJP Leader, Confirmed As Next Manipur CM

Political activity intensified in Manipur on Tuesday after Yumnam Khemchand Singh was unanimously chosen as leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party legislature party, confirming him as the state’s next Chief Minister. Khemchand, a two-time MLA, currently serves as a minister in the outgoing government and will now take charge of the northeastern state. He belongs to the Meitei community and is seen as a consensus choice within the party. His elevation follows days of speculation over leadership in Manipur, with BJP leaders finalising the decision after internal consultations. Swearing-in formalities are expected shortly.

President’s Rule Imposed Amid Ethnic Violence

President’s Rule has been in force in Manipur since February 13 last year, following the resignation of former Chief Minister N Biren Singh and months of ethnic violence in the state. The BJP parliamentary board appointed national general secretary Tarun Chugh as central observer to oversee the election of the BJP legislature party leader in Manipur.

President’s Rule is due to end on February 12 this year. The 60-member Manipur Assembly, whose term runs until 2027, remains under suspension.

Meetings With Party High Command

Recently, former Chief Minister N Biren Singh, current suspended Assembly Speaker Satyabrata Singh, and BJP leader Yumnam Khemchand Singh travelled to Delhi for meetings with the party high command. Manipur BJP president A. Sharda Devi was also present during these discussions.

BJP Holds Separate Talks With Meitei & Kuki MLAs

Over the past few months, the BJP’s central leadership has held multiple separate meetings with its Meitei and Kuki MLAs, alliance partners National People’s Party (NPP) and Naga People’s Front (NPF), as well as a few Independent legislators, to assess whether conditions are favourable for forming a popular government.

On December 14, 2025, BJP national general secretary (organisation) B. L. Santhosh and the party’s Northeast coordinator Sambit Patra brought BJP MLAs from both communities together under one roof in Delhi.

In the 2022 Assembly elections, the BJP won 32 seats. Later, five of the six MLAs from Janata Dal (United) joined the BJP, taking its strength in the House to 37.

The Assembly also includes six MLAs from the NPP, five from the NPF, five from Indian National Congress, two from the Kuki People’s Alliance, one JD(U) MLA, and three Independents. One seat is currently vacant following the death of the sitting legislator.