BJP Chooses Yumnam Khemchand Singh as Manipur's Next Chief Minister

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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has elected Yumnam Khemchand Singh as the leader of its legislative party in Manipur, paving the way for him to take oath as the state's next chief minister. The move comes ahead of the end of President's rule in the northeastern state. A meeting of BJP MLAs from Manipur was held in Delhi, where Khemchand was chosen for the top position. The decision was made after the BJP parliamentary board appointed Tarun Chugh as the central observer for the election of the Manipur legislative party leader. The appointment of Khemchand comes at a crucial time, as the state is expected to have a woman deputy chief minister. Nemcha Kipgen, a Kuki leader and former minister, is reportedly a frontrunner for the post, according to sources. The development follows months of intermitten violence in the state amid ethnic tensions between the Kuki Zo and Meitei communities. President's rule was imposed in Manipur last year, and it was extended by the Parliament in August for another six months. The three-member Commission of Inquiry, which is probing the ethnic violence, has been granted an extension till May 20, 2026, to submit its report. The appointment of Khemchand as the next chief minister is seen as an attempt to stabilize the situation in the state and bring about a sense of normalcy.