Imphal, Feb 4: Yumnam Khemchand Singh was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Manipur on Tuesday, formally ushering in a new elected government in the state after nearly a year of President's Rule. The swearing-in ceremony marked the completion of the constitutional process of government formation and the restoration of an elected administration following a prolonged period of political uncertainty.
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| Image Courtesy: x.com/govt_of_manipur |
The oath of office and secrecy was administered at a ceremony attended by senior political leaders, government officials, legislators, and invited dignitaries. Alongside Chief Minister Khemchand, Nemcha Kipgen and Losii Dikho were sworn in as the Deputy Chief Ministers of Manipur, while Konthoujam Govindas Singh and Khuraijam Loken Singh took oath as Cabinet Ministers, forming the initial Council of Ministers of the new government.
The formation of the new ministry followed the revocation of President's Rule in Manipur earlier on Tuesday. President's Rule had been imposed on February 13, 2025, after the resignation of the previous Chief Minister amid prolonged political instability and ethnic violence that had severely affected governance in the state. Since then, Manipur had remained under direct Central administration for almost a year.
Earlier in the day, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) formally submitted its claim to form the government before Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla after the BJP Legislature Party unanimously elected Yumnam Khemchand Singh as its leader. Following constitutional procedures, the Governor invited the alliance to form the government, paving the way for the swearing-in ceremony.
The new government assumes office at a critical juncture, with Manipur continuing to face the challenges arising from the prolonged ethnic conflict that began in 2023. The violence displaced thousands of people, disrupted economic activities, and posed significant administrative and humanitarian challenges across several parts of the state.
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Political observers have described the return of an elected government as an important constitutional development that restores representative governance in Manipur. However, the political transition has also drawn varied reactions from different sections of society. Some civil society organisations, particularly from the hill districts, have expressed concerns over the political developments and reiterated their longstanding demands relating to the ongoing conflict and future political arrangements.
The new administration is expected to prioritise restoring normalcy, strengthening law and order, accelerating the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons, rebuilding damaged infrastructure, and reviving economic activities. The government will also face the task of rebuilding public confidence and promoting dialogue among communities affected by the conflict.
With the new Council of Ministers now in place, attention is expected to shift towards governance and policy implementation. The Chief Minister and his team are likely to focus on addressing pressing developmental issues while working towards peace, reconciliation, and inclusive growth to ensure long-term stability in Manipur.
