PM Modi expresses confidence in the new Manipur government led by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, highlighting inclusive governance, peace restoration, development priorities, and the end of President’s Rule amid hopes for lasting stability.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed strong confidence that the newly formed Manipur government, led by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, will work with dedication to accelerate development, restore peace, and ensure prosperity for all sections of society in the northeastern state.
Congratulating the new Chief Minister and members of the Council of Ministers, the Prime Minister said he was confident that the leadership team would focus on inclusive governance and long-term stability in Manipur, which has witnessed prolonged ethnic tensions over the past two years.
Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Prime Minister Modi congratulated Yumnam Khemchand Singh on assuming office and extended his best wishes to the Deputy Chief Ministers and newly sworn-in ministers.
“Congratulations to Shri Yumnam Khemchand Singh Ji on taking oath as the Chief Minister of Manipur. I would like to congratulate Smt. Nemcha Kipgen Ji and Shri Loishi Dikho Ji on taking oath as the Deputy Chief Ministers of the state, and Shri Konthoujam Govindas Singh Ji, as well as Shri Khuraijam Loken Singh Ji, on being sworn in as Ministers in the Manipur Government,” the Prime Minister wrote.
“I’m confident they will work diligently towards furthering development and prosperity for my sisters and brothers of Manipur,” he added.
Yumnam Khemchand Singh, a senior BJP leader and former Assembly Speaker, was sworn in as the Chief Minister on Wednesday evening at the Lok Bhavan in Imphal. The oath of office and secrecy was administered by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at a simple but significant ceremony attended by senior political leaders and dignitaries.
Soon after taking oath, Chief Minister Singh said that he would make every effort to live up to the trust placed in him by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP President Nitin Nabin.
“I want to fulfil the faith reposed in me by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP President Nitin Nabin. I will work with full sincerity for peace, development, and harmony in Manipur,” Singh told reporters.
Two Deputy Chief Ministers were also sworn in on Wednesday. Nemcha Kipgen, a BJP leader belonging to the Kuki tribal community, and Loishi Dikho, a senior leader of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) from the Naga tribal community, took oath as Deputy Chief Ministers. Kipgen is the lone woman minister in the newly formed council.
Explaining the rationale behind the inclusive leadership structure, Chief Minister Singh said that Manipur is home to 36 different communities and that the new government is committed to safeguarding the interests of all sections of society.
“Our priority is to help people from every community, restore peace, and further strengthen ethnic harmony. Inclusiveness and dialogue will guide our governance,” Singh said.
Deputy Chief Minister Loishi Dikho echoed similar sentiments, stating that inclusiveness would be the guiding principle of the new government. “Inclusiveness is the new mantra of our government. We will reach out to every community and fulfil the aspirations of the people,” Dikho said.
The swearing-in ceremony came a day after the Bharatiya Janata Party announced in New Delhi that the 61-year-old Meitei community leader had been unanimously elected as the Legislature Party Leader. His name was proposed by former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh during a meeting attended by BJP MLAs and central observers Tarun Chugh and Sambit Patra.
The ceremony was attended by BJP’s newly appointed central observer Tarun Chugh, Northeast coordinator Sambit Patra, former Chief Minister Biren Singh, Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh, state BJP President Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi, several MLAs, and other senior leaders.
Notably, former minister Nemcha Kipgen took her oath virtually from Manipur Bhavan in New Delhi. The Khemchand Singh-led ministry is expected to be expanded later, as seven ministerial berths remain vacant.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Centre formally withdrew President’s Rule from Manipur, paving the way for the formation of the BJP-led NDA government. A notification issued by the Union Home Secretary stated that the proclamation under Article 356, imposed on February 13, 2025, was revoked with effect from February 4, 2026.
Manipur had been under President’s Rule following the resignation of then Chief Minister N. Biren Singh amid prolonged ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. The unrest, which began in May 2023 after a Tribal Solidarity March, resulted in over 260 deaths, around 1,500 injuries, and the displacement of more than 70,000 people.
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The 60-member Manipur Assembly, which remains in suspended animation, has a tenure until 2027. The BJP holds 37 seats, while its NDA allies — the National People’s Party and the Naga People’s Front — hold six and five seats respectively, with additional support from Independent MLAs.
Ending months of political uncertainty, party leaders and supporters welcomed Khemchand Singh at Imphal airport on Wednesday morning, expressing hope that the new government would bring stability, peace, and accelerated development to the state.
