Yumnam Khemchand set to be Manipur CM as BJP backs leadership change

The Bharatiya Janata Party has named Yumnam Khemchand as its choice for chief minister of Manipur after he was elected leader of the BJP legislative party at a meeting in New Delhi. The move comes nearly a year after former chief minister N Biren Singh resigned amid prolonged ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki communities. President’s Rule was imposed in February 2025 and extended in August, with the 60-member assembly placed under suspended animation. The BJP holds 37 MLAs in the House, aided by defections after the 2022 elections. Sources say a fresh government must be formed soon, or the Centre will need parliamentary approval to extend President’s Rule during the ongoing Budget Session.