BJP’s Yumnam Khemchand Singh set to be Manipur’s next Chief Minister

Imphal: Y Khemchand Singh was on Tuesday elected leader of the BJP legislature party in Manipur, paving the way for the formation of a new government in the state with him as Chief Minister.

Sources confirmed that Singh’s election took place at a meeting of BJP MLAs attended by the party’s central observer Tarun Chugh and northeast in-charge Sambit Patra. Later in the evening, legislators from all National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners are expected to meet, where Singh’s leadership is likely to be formally endorsed.

Manipur has been under President’s rule since February 13, 2025, with its 60-member Assembly placed under suspended animation. The BJP currently holds 37 seats, having initially won 32 in the 2022 elections before five JD(U) MLAs defected to its ranks. Other parties represented include the National People’s Party (six seats), Naga People’s Front (five), Congress (five), Kuki People’s Alliance (two), JD(U) (one), and three Independents. One seat remains vacant following the death of a sitting MLA.

Singh’s election as legislature party leader signals the BJP’s move to restore an elected government in Manipur after nearly a year of direct rule from New Delhi.