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4 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu
3 min
Polity & GovernanceNEWS

Khemchand Singh Set to Become Manipur CM After Election

Yumnam Khemchand Singh elected as Manipur BJP Legislature Party leader.

Khemchand Singh Set to Become Manipur CM After Election

Photo by SMKN 1 Gantar

Yumnam Khemchand Singh has been elected as the Legislature Party Leader of the BJP in Manipur. He is set to become the Chief Minister, restoring an elected government in the state. Nemcha Kipgen is likely to be appointed as Deputy Chief Minister.

Manipur was placed under President’s Rule on February 13, 2025. The Assembly's tenure ends in February 2027. Tarun Chugh stated that Khemchand Singh's name was proposed by former Chief Minister N.

Biren Singh. Khemchand Singh visited Kuki-Zo villages in December 2025.

Key Facts

1.

Yumnam Khemchand Singh: Elected Manipur CM

2.

President's Rule: Imposed Feb 13, 2025

3.

Assembly tenure ends: February 2027

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper II: Polity and Governance - Constitutional provisions, functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States

2.

GS Paper II: Federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein

3.

Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical questions on the role of the Governor and President's Rule

Visual Insights

Manipur Political Map

Shows Manipur, the state where Khemchand Singh is set to become CM, and Kuki-Zo villages he visited.

Loading interactive map...

📍Manipur📍Kuki-Zo villages
More Information

Background

The appointment of a Chief Minister in Manipur is governed by the principles of Indian Constitutional Law. After an election, the Governor invites the leader of the party with a majority to form the government, as per Article 164 of the Constitution. This article deals with the appointment of the Chief Minister and other ministers. President's Rule, invoked in Manipur on February 13, 2025, falls under Article 356 of the Constitution. This provision allows the central government to take control of a state's administration if the constitutional machinery breaks down. The imposition of President's Rule suspends the state government and places the state under the direct rule of the Governor, acting on behalf of the President. The tenure of the legislative assembly, as mentioned in the news (ending in February 2027), is typically five years from the date of its first sitting, unless dissolved earlier. The process of electing a new Chief Minister after the revocation of President's Rule is a return to the normal functioning of the state's constitutional machinery. This involves the Governor inviting the leader of the majority party to form the government and prove their majority on the floor of the house.

Latest Developments

In recent years, Manipur has faced various challenges, including political instability and ethnic tensions. The imposition of President's Rule in February 2025 highlights the severity of these issues. The restoration of an elected government with Khemchand Singh as Chief Minister marks a step towards normalcy. Looking ahead, the focus will likely be on addressing the underlying causes of instability and promoting reconciliation among different communities. The appointment of Nemcha Kipgen as Deputy Chief Minister could be a strategic move to ensure representation and address concerns of various groups. The state government will also need to focus on governance and development initiatives to improve the lives of its citizens. The upcoming years will be crucial for Manipur as it works towards stability and progress. The state government's ability to address the challenges and build trust among different communities will determine its success in the long run. The central government's support and cooperation will also be essential in this process.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key facts about the recent political developments in Manipur relevant for UPSC Prelims?

Key facts include: Yumnam Khemchand Singh is set to become the Chief Minister. Manipur was under President's Rule, imposed on February 13, 2025. The Assembly's tenure ends in February 2027. Nemcha Kipgen is likely to be appointed as Deputy Chief Minister.

Exam Tip

Remember the dates related to President's Rule and Assembly tenure. Focus on the names of key personalities involved.

2. What is the constitutional basis for the appointment of a Chief Minister in India, with reference to the Manipur situation?

The appointment of a Chief Minister is governed by Article 164 of the Constitution. The Governor invites the leader of the party with a majority to form the government.

Exam Tip

Remember Article 164 relates to appointment of CM and other ministers. This is a frequently tested area in Polity.

3. What is President's Rule and why was it imposed in Manipur?

President's Rule refers to the suspension of a state government and direct rule by the central government. In Manipur, it was imposed on February 13, 2025, due to political instability and challenges.

4. Why is the election of Yumnam Khemchand Singh as Manipur CM in the news recently?

Yumnam Khemchand Singh's election as Manipur CM is in the news because it marks the restoration of an elected government after President's Rule was imposed in the state in February 2025. This is a step towards restoring normalcy after a period of political instability.

5. How might the appointment of Yumnam Khemchand Singh as CM impact common citizens of Manipur?

The appointment of an elected CM is expected to bring more stability and focused governance, which can lead to better implementation of government schemes, improved law and order, and overall development. However, the actual impact will depend on the policies and actions of the new government.

6. What are the important dates to remember regarding the recent political events in Manipur?

Key dates to remember are: February 13, 2025, when President's Rule was imposed, and February 2027, when the Assembly tenure ends.

Exam Tip

Create a timeline of events for better retention. Focus on the sequence of events leading to the CM's appointment.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding President's Rule in India: 1. President's Rule can be imposed in a state under Article 356 of the Constitution on the grounds of the failure of constitutional machinery. 2. A proclamation imposing President's Rule must be approved by both Houses of Parliament within two months. 3. During President's Rule, the Governor administers the state on behalf of the President. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: D

All three statements are correct. Statement 1 is correct as Article 356 deals with the imposition of President's Rule. Statement 2 is correct as the proclamation needs parliamentary approval within two months. Statement 3 is correct as the Governor administers the state on behalf of the President during President's Rule. These are well-established facts about the President's Rule.

2. With reference to the recent political developments in Manipur, consider the following statements: 1. Khemchand Singh has been elected as the Legislature Party Leader of the BJP in Manipur. 2. Manipur was placed under President’s Rule on February 13, 2025. 3. Nemcha Kipgen is likely to be appointed as the Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statements 1 and 2 are correct as per the news article. Khemchand Singh is set to become the Chief Minister, and President's Rule was imposed on February 13, 2025. Statement 3 is incorrect as Nemcha Kipgen is likely to be appointed as the Deputy Chief Minister, not the Speaker. This relates to the appointment of Chief Minister and President's Rule.

3. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the powers of the Governor of a state in India? A) The Governor appoints the Chief Minister of the state. B) The Governor can dissolve the State Legislative Assembly. C) The Governor can promulgate ordinances when the legislature is not in session. D) The Governor can directly enact laws without the consent of the State Legislature.

  • A.The Governor appoints the Chief Minister of the state.
  • B.The Governor can dissolve the State Legislative Assembly.
  • C.The Governor can promulgate ordinances when the legislature is not in session.
  • D.The Governor can directly enact laws without the consent of the State Legislature.
Show Answer

Answer: D

Option D is NOT correct. The Governor does not have the power to directly enact laws without the consent of the State Legislature. The Governor's role is to assent to laws passed by the legislature. The other options are correct regarding the powers of the Governor. This tests understanding of the powers of the Governor under the Constitution.

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