BJP's Yumnam Khemchand to Lead New Govt in Manipur After Year of President's Rule

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Manipur is set to get its first elected government in a year after President's rule was imposed due to ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki Zo communities. Yumnam Khemchand Singh, a seasoned politician, has been elected as the BJP legislative party leader, paving the way for a new government. Singh, a two-time MLA from Singjamei constituency, has held various top positions in the state, including cabinet minister in the N Biren Singh government. He served until February 2025, when President's Rule was declared in Manipur. With the BJP having a strong majority in the 60-seat assembly with 37 seats, and its main partner, the National People's Party (NPP), holding seven seats, the party is expected to form a new government. A meeting of the BJP's NDA partners in the state is scheduled to take place soon. The violence that led to President's Rule in Manipur began on May 3, 2023, and has been ongoing. The Union home ministry has extended the probe commission's deadline to submit its report on the violence until May 20, 2026. Singh's election as the BJP legislative party leader comes days ahead of the end of a year of President's rule in the state. The new government can remain in place until 2027, when the current House's tenure ends.