Daijiworld Media Network - Imphal

Imphal, Feb 4: President Droupadi Murmu has revoked President’s Rule in Manipur, clearing the path for the Yumnam Khemchand Singh-led BJP-NDA government to take charge in the state, officials confirmed on Wednesday. The move comes nearly a year after the imposition of direct central rule following the resignation of then-Chief Minister N. Biren Singh amid prolonged ethnic unrest.

A notification from the Union Home Ministry stated that the Proclamation under Article 356, issued on February 13, 2025, has been withdrawn with effect from February 4, 2026. Manipur had been under central administration since February 13 last year, four days after Biren Singh stepped down due to widespread violence between the non-tribal Meitei and tribal Kuki-Zo communities. The unrest, which began on May 3, 2023, following a Tribal Solidarity March in the hill districts, claimed over 260 lives, left around 1,500 injured, and displaced more than 70,000 people.

The 60-member Manipur Assembly, which was kept in suspended animation during President’s Rule, continues its term until 2027. Senior BJP leader Yumnam Khemchand Singh is scheduled to take oath as the new Chief Minister at 6 p.m. at Lok Bhavan, administered by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla. Officials indicated that a few ministers, including one or two Deputy Chief Ministers, are likely to be sworn in alongside him, with representation from the Kuki-Zo community also expected.

Earlier in the day, Khemchand Singh, accompanied by BJP Central observer Tarun Chugh, Northeast coordinator Sambit Patra, former CM Biren Singh, state BJP president Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi, and several MLAs, met the Governor to stake a claim to form the government. Following consultations, the Governor invited him to assume office.

The BJP, which holds 37 of the 60 Assembly seats, along with NDA allies National People’s Party (6 MLAs) and Naga People’s Front (5 MLAs), and support from three Independents, confirmed Khemchand Singh as the Legislature Party leader in a meeting held in Delhi. His appointment was proposed by former Chief Minister Biren Singh and marks the end of months of uncertainty over government formation in Manipur.

Welcomed by party leaders and a large group of MLAs at Imphal airport, Khemchand Singh’s swearing-in is being hailed by the BJP as the beginning of a new era of stability, development, and governance in the state.