The BJP's Manipur unit, on Tuesday, elected Yumnam Khemchand Singh as the legislature party leader, paving the way for his elevation as the chief minister. According to the party, he is someone who is acceptable to both Nagas and Kukis.
Manipur has been under the President's rule since February 13, 2025. The 60-member assembly was put on suspended animation after President's rule was imposed in the wake of the violence and ethnic conflict in the state.
Manipur BJP, in a social media post, said, "Heartiest congratulations to Hon'ble Shri @YKhemchandSingh on being elected as the BJP Legislature Party Leader of Manipur. On behalf of BJP Manipur Pradesh, we wish you great success. Your experience, dedication, and leadership will further strengthen the party and serve the aspirations of the people of Manipur."
According to BJP's Manipur unit spokesperson Laimayum Bashanta Sharma, Singh has one of the cleanest images among the MLAs.
"He (Singh) is someone who believes in action rather than words as evident by developmental works in his constituency. His election shows the Centre's clear intention to restore peace and normalcy in the state. He is someone who is acceptable to all the communities, including the Nagas and the Kukis," news agency PTI quoted Sharma as saying.
Singh (62), a Taekwondo player, was elected to the Manipur assembly in 2017 and 2022 from Singjamei constituency as a BJP candidate.
On December 8, he became the first Meitei MLA to visit relief camps housing internally displaced persons from the Kuki community at Ukhrul's Litan and Chassad in Kamjong district.
In 2022, he was appointed as a cabinet minister in the second Biren Singh government, holding the portfolios of municipal administration and housing development, rural development and Panchayati Raj and the Eeducation departments.
