BJP leader Yumnam Khemchand Singh has been elected as the leader of the Manipur BJP Legislature Party, paving the way for his appointment as the next Chief Minister of the state.
The decision was taken
at a party meeting held in Delhi, marking a significant step towards the restoration of an elected government in Manipur after nearly a year under President’s Rule.
With Singh’s elevation as legislature party leader, the BJP is set to stake claim to form the government in the state.
Manipur has been under central rule since February 2025, following prolonged political uncertainty and administrative challenges.
Welcoming the development, BJP MLA Thokchom Radheshyam Singh said the return of an elected government was long overdue.
“It is good that we are going to have a popular and elected government. We thank the central leadership for taking this step. Every problem has a solution, and under the guidance of the central leadership and the new ministry led by Yumnam Khemchand Singh, we will find a way forward,” he said.
Who Is Yumnam Khemchand Singh?
Yumnam Khemchand Singh is a two-time MLA from the Singjamei constituency, having won the seat in the 2017 and 2022 Manipur Assembly elections on a BJP ticket.
He served as the Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly from 2017 to 2022 and later joined the state cabinet in the second Biren Singh government.
As a Cabinet Minister, Singh handled key portfolios including Municipal Administration and Housing Development, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, and Education.
He remained in office until President’s Rule was imposed in February 2025. His selection as legislature party leader now positions him to lead the state as it transitions back to an elected government.
