BJP's Khemchand Singh Sworn in as Manipur's New Chief Minister

Guwahati:Y. Khemchand Singhof the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Manipur at Lok Bhavan in Imphal on Wednesday, marking the end of nearly a year ofPresident’s rulein the state.Alongside him, Nemcha Kipgen (BJP), Losii Dikho (Naga People’s Front), Govindas Konthoujam (BJP), and Kh Loken (National People’s Party) took oath as Ministers. Nemcha Kipgen has been appointed the state’s firstKuki Deputy Chief Minister, whileLosii Dikhowill serve as the other Deputy Chief Minister.The swearing-in ceremony was attended by senior BJP leaders, legislators, and top functionaries of the NDA in Manipur.“I am confident that with the formation of the new Council of Ministers, peace and development will serve as the guiding principles of the new government,” Khemchand Singh said in a Facebook post. “The political journey towards the vision of Viksit Bharat and Viksit Manipur is not without challenges, but our priorities will remain firmly aligned with achieving these ambitious goals.”A long-timeRSSfunctionary, Khemchand Singh has held key constitutional and ministerial positions in the state. Apart from his political career, he has a strong association with Taekwondo, having served as the vice-president of the Taekwondo Federation of India. A black belt holder, he has actively promoted the sport in the Northeast.Khemchand Singh first contested the Assembly elections in 2012 on an All India Trinamool Congressticket but lost to a Congress candidate. He joined the BJP in 2013. Born at Singjamei Yumnam Leikai, he matriculated from Ram Lal Paul High School in 1978. He is married and has a son.The change in leadership follows former Chief MinisterN. Biren Singh’s resignation on February 9 last year amid growing pressures within the state BJP and from the opposition. Biren Singh had faced criticism for allegedly failing to control theethnic violencethat erupted in Manipur, which involved clashes between armed groups and forced thousands from both communities to flee their homes. Curfews were imposed and internet services suspended during the unrest, but attacks and arsons continued.In August 2023, Biren Singh attributed the violence to misunderstandings, vested interests, and alleged foreign conspiracies aimed at destabilising the state. The Kuki-Zo community had accused him of complicity in the ethnic clashes and demanded aseparate administrative unitfor their community.Biren Singh later traveled to Delhi and met Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Upon returning to Imphal on February 9, he formally resigned to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, who accepted the resignation and asked him to continue in office until alternative arrangements were made.Related