Yumnam Khemchand Singh was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Manipur on Wednesday, marking the end of President’s Rule in the state. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla administered the oath of office and secrecy at the swearing-in ceremony.
Naga People’s Front leader L Dikho was also sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur.
President’s Rule Revoked
Earlier in the day, President’s Rule was formally revoked in Manipur. The state had been under central rule since February 2025.
The formation of the new government follows months of political uncertainty after the resignation of the previous chief minister.
Backdrop Of Political Change
The swearing-in comes nearly a year after BJP leader N Biren Singh stepped down as chief minister. His second term in office coincided with the outbreak of ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities in May 2023.
Biren Singh resigned on February 9, 2025, amid continuing unrest in the state and mounting demands for a leadership change within the Manipur BJP unit.
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.