Manipur Moves Towards Restoration of Elected Government
Manipur is set to return to elected governance as Yumnam Khemchand Singh , a BJP MLA, has been elected Leader of the BJP Legislature Party . His selection clears the way for him to assume office as Chief Minister , ahead of the completion of one year of President’s Rule on February 13 .
The development marks a critical political transition after months of central rule and administrative suspension in the state.
BJP Legislature Party Decision
The decision was finalised during a meeting of BJP MLAs from Manipur along with National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners in New Delhi . The meeting was attended by BJP central observer Tarun Chugh and the party’s Northeast in-charge Sambit Patra .
Following this decision, Khemchand Singh is expected to be sworn in as Chief Minister once President’s Rule is formally revoked.
Political Context and Assembly Strength
The Manipur Legislative Assembly , which has 60 members , has remained under suspended animation since February 2025 . The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) currently enjoys the support of 37 MLAs , comfortably above the simple majority mark of 31 .
In the 2022 Assembly elections , the BJP won 32 seats , and later gained five additional MLAs after defections from the Janata Dal (United) . Other parties represented in the Assembly include the National People’s Party , Naga People’s Front , Congress , Kuki People’s Alliance , JD(U) , and independents. One seat remains vacant due to the death of a sitting MLA.
Profile of Yumnam Khemchand Singh
Yumnam Khemchand Singh, 61 , represents the Singjamei constituency in Imphal West district . He served as Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly from 2017 to 2022 and later became a cabinet minister in the second government led by former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh .
Before the imposition of President’s Rule, he handled several key portfolios, including:
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Municipal Administration and Housing Development
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Rural Development and Panchayati Raj
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Education
Within the BJP, he is widely viewed as a non-polarising leader with strong organisational and administrative capabilities.
Important Facts for Exams
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President’s Rule in Manipur was imposed in February 2025
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It completes one year on February 13, 2026
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The Manipur Assembly has 60 seats ; 31 MLAs are required for a majority
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Yumnam Khemchand Singh served as Speaker from 2017–2022
Month: Current Affairs - February 04, 2026
Category: Polity | Constitution | State Government