Alongside Singh, BJP MLA Nemcha Kipgen from the Kuki community and Naga People’s Front (NPF) leader Losii Dikho took oath as Deputy Chief Ministers. Kipgen was sworn in virtually, while Dikho took oath at the ceremony venue. The appointments reflect a carefully negotiated power-sharing arrangement aimed at balancing representation among Manipur’s major ethnic communities.
The swearing-in followed a presidential notification issued by President Droupadi Murmu revoking President’s Rule under Article 356 of the Constitution with effect from February 4, 2026. The state had been under central rule for 356 days after a breakdown of law and order during the Meitei-Kuki ethnic conflict. President’s Rule, first imposed in February 2025, had been extended for six months in August amid continuing tensions and the suspension of the state assembly.
The BJP leadership cleared the formation of a “popular government” earlier this week after consensus emerged within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The Janata Dal (United) formally extended its support to the new government, submitting a letter of backing to the Governor, further strengthening the NDA’s numbers in the 60-member Manipur Assembly.
Khemchand Singh, a two-time MLA from Singjamei, previously served as Speaker of the Manipur Assembly from 2017 to 2022. Initially considered close to former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, he later voiced concerns over rising ethnic tensions. On February 3, more than 45 MLAs reportedly agreed on his name as leader of the BJP legislature party, paving the way for his elevation.
As part of the new cabinet’s structure, Nemcha Kipgen—who has served as a minister in both of Biren Singh’s previous terms—has been appointed Deputy Chief Minister to address concerns of the Kuki-Zo community. A BJP MLA from Kangpokpi, she has earlier handled portfolios including Social Welfare, Cooperation, Commerce and Industry, and Textiles. Her official residence in Imphal was damaged during the ethnic violence.
The new government faces the immediate challenge of restoring peace and rebuilding trust between communities fractured by the Meitei-Kuki conflict, which erupted over issues including demands for Scheduled Tribe status, calls for separate administration, and allegations linked to drug trafficking. With the Assembly’s term running until 2027, the Singh-led government will be closely watched for its handling of reconciliation, security, and governance.
