BJP leader Y Khemchand Singh was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Manipur on Wednesday, marking a significant political shift for the state. The oath of office was administered by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to the 62-year-old legislator during a ceremony held at Lok Bhavan. Alongside Singh, BJP MLA Nemcha Kipgen, representing the Kuki community, and L Dikho from the Naga People’s Front, took their oaths as the deputy chief ministers.
The swearing-in ceremony occurred mere hours after the revocation of President’s rule in Manipur, which had been in place since February of the previous year due to escalating tensions in the region. This unrest has been ongoing since May 3, 2023, when a tribal solidarity march in the hill districts erupted over demands by the majority Meitei community for Scheduled Tribe status. The violence has resulted in the deaths of over 260 individuals, encompassing members from both the Kuki and Meitei communities, as well as security personnel, and has left thousands displaced.
Kipgen took her oath virtually from Manipur Bhavan in New Delhi. Additionally, BJP ministers Govindas Konthoujam and K Loken Singh from the National People’s Party also took their oaths at the ceremony, attended by several BJP legislators, senior party officials, and key leaders from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the state.
Prior to the ceremony, the BJP legislature party convened at the party headquarters in New Delhi, where Singh was elected as its leader. This meeting, which took place on Tuesday, saw the participation of 35 out of 37 BJP MLAs, along with central observer Tarun Chugh, northeast in-charge Sambit Patra, and BJP state president A Sharda Devi, among others. Following this, another meeting occurred at Manipur Bhavan, where legislators from the NDA coalition, including members from the National People’s Party, Naga People’s Front, and independent representatives, engaged in discussions alongside BJP legislators.
As Manipur embarks on this new political chapter, the leadership will be under scrutiny as the state continues to navigate the challenges posed by ethnic tensions and violence.
Original Source: https://www.firstpost.com/india/bjps-y-khemchand-singh-sworn-in-as-manipur-cm-deputy-cms-from-kuki-and-naga-communities-13976290.html
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Publish Date: 2026-02-05 00:39:00
