Yumnam Khemchand Singh takes oath as new Manipur CM
What's the story
Yumnam Khemchand Singh, a 62-year-old Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, on Wednesday took oath as the new Chief Minister of Manipur. The BJP leader, who is currently serving his second term as a member of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, was chosen as the next chief ministerial face of the strife-torn state on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Nemcha Kipgen of the Kuki community was named deputy chief minister, while Govindas Konthoujam was named the home minister.
Twitter Post
Governor Ajay Bhalla administers the oath
#WATCH | Imphal: BJP Manipur Legislature Party leader Yumnam Khemchand Singh takes oath as the Chief Minister of Manipur
— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2026
Governor of Manipur Ajay Bhalla administers the oath at the Lok Bhavan. pic.twitter.com/Ri1Et4J0Oa
Political ascent
Khemchand's political journey
Khemchand joined the BJP in 2013 and was elected to the Manipur Legislative Assembly in 2017. He became a part of the first-ever BJP government in Manipur as Speaker of the Assembly. In Biren Singh's second government, he served as a cabinet minister. Despite being part of Biren's ministry, Khemchand was among those who pressured central leadership for a change in CM amid growing dissent within BJP ranks.
Conflict resolution
His stance during Manipur violence
In October 2023, Khemchand's home was attacked with a grenade amid public anger over the government's handling of ongoing conflict in Manipur. He later visited a Kuki-Zo relief camp in December 2025, interacting with displaced persons and sharing photos of his visit. This move was seen as an attempt to bridge divides between communities affected by the conflict. A political observer noted that "He is considered a trusted RSS man...more acceptable to Kuki-Zos and Nagas."
Unifying potential
President's rule revoked
Khemchand's name arose as a potential chief ministerial face in the days following Biren's resignation and the subsequent series of discussions. But instead of installing another CM, President's Rule was imposed on February 13 last year. President Droupadi Murmu revoked the rule on Wednesday, paving the way for a new government. Before that, Singh staked a claim to form a government, meeting Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the Governor of Manipur. Two Kuki-Zo MLAs LM Khaute and Ngursanglur Sanate, were also present.