Manipur New CM: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday chose Yumnam Khemchand Singh as the leader of its legislature party in Manipur, clearing the way for his swearing-in as the state’s next chief minister. The decision was finalised at a meeting of BJP MLAs in New Delhi, ahead of the end of President’s Rule in the state.
Sources reported that Manipur is scheduled to appoint a woman deputy chief minister for the upcoming position. PTI reported that Nemcha Kipgen, a senior Kuki leader and former minister, stands as one of the top candidates for the position. The NDA partners from Manipur conducted their discussions throughout the afternoon.
Who Is Yumnam Khemchand Singh?
Yumnam Khemchand Singh gained national attention on December 8, 2025, when he became the first Meitei MLA to visit relief camps housing internally displaced persons from the Kuki community. He visited camps in Ukhrul’s Litan and Chassad areas of Kamjong district, interacting with displaced families and listening to their concerns amid the ethnic unrest in the state.
Yumnam Khemchand Singh’s Political Career and Key Roles
Yumnam Khemchand Singh has held several important positions in Manipur’s political landscape. He served as the Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly from 2017 to 2022. He became a cabinet minister in the second N Biren Singh-led government after the1942 Assembly elections.
Singh managed crucial governmental responsibilities during his period in office, which included his oversight of Municipal Administration and Housing Development (MAHUD) and Rural Development and Panchayati Raj and Education sectors.
BJP’s Central Observer Appointed
The BJP parliamentary board on Monday appointed Tarun Chugh as the central observer for the election of the Manipur BJP legislature party leader. A state BJP leader said all 37 BJP MLAs were called to Delhi for the meeting, which was briefly postponed following the announcement before being rescheduled.
With Yumnam Khemchand Singh set to take charge, Manipur now looks toward political stability and governance at a crucial juncture.