Imphal, February 4 (NationPress) On Wednesday, the Central Government officially revoked President’s Rule in Manipur, allowing for the establishment of the Yumnam Khemchand Singh-led NDA administration in the state, as reported by officials.

"In accordance with the powers granted by clause (2) of Article 356 of the Constitution, I, Droupadi Murmu, President of India, hereby annul the Proclamation I issued on February 13, 2025, regarding the State of Manipur, effective from February 4, 2026," stated a notification from the Union Home Ministry.

Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 13 of the previous year, following the resignation of then-Chief Minister N. Biren Singh amidst ongoing ethnic unrest.

Biren Singh resigned on February 9 due to escalating tensions between the Meitei community and the Kuki-Zo tribal groups. The ethnic conflict that began on May 3, 2023, resulted in the deaths of over 260 individuals, injuries to around 1,500, and the displacement of more than 70,000 following a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ aimed at protesting the Meitei community's request for Scheduled Tribe status.

The 60-seat Manipur Assembly, which was in a state of suspension due to President’s Rule, will remain active until 2027.

Senior BJP leader Khemchand Singh is scheduled to take the oath as the new Chief Minister at Lok Bhavan at 6 p.m.

A government official indicated that several ministers, including possibly one or two Deputy Chief Ministers, may also be sworn in alongside the new Chief Minister.

"Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla will officiate the oath-taking ceremony at Lok Bhavan," the official informed IANS.

The BJP's Manipur branch announced on X: "The swearing-in ceremony for Shri Y Khemchand Singh as the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Manipur is set for today, February 4, 2026, at 6:00 PM at Lok Bhavan."

"With his seasoned and visionary leadership, Manipur is poised to embark on a journey towards peace, development, and effective governance, ushering in a new phase of stability and advancement for the state," the BJP remarked.

Earlier, Khemchand Singh, along with newly appointed Central observer Tarun Chugh, BJP’s Northeast coordinator Sambit Patra, former Chief Minister Biren Singh, state BJP President Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi, and several MLAs, met the Governor at Lok Bhavan to assert their claim to form the government. Subsequently, the Governor invited him to take the lead in governance, as stated by the official.

Speculation arises that the upcoming BJP government may include one or two Deputy Chief Ministers and possibly incorporate two MLAs from the Kuki-Zo community as well.

Party leaders and numerous MLAs welcomed Khemchand Singh upon his arrival at Imphal airport on Wednesday morning after his return from New Delhi.

After months of uncertainty and negotiations regarding the government formation in Manipur, the BJP announced that former Assembly Speaker and minister Khemchand Singh would be the next Chief Minister.

BJP officials noted that Khemchand Singh was designated as the Legislature Party Leader during a meeting in the national capital attended by BJP MLAs from Manipur, along with Central Observer Chugh and Patra among other senior officials.

During the meeting at the BJP headquarters in Delhi, former Chief Minister Biren Singh proposed Khemchand Singh's name as the Legislature Party leader.

The BJP holds 37 seats in the 60-member Manipur Assembly, while its NDA allies — the National People’s Party (NPP) and the Naga People’s Front (NPF) — have six and five seats, respectively. Additionally, three Independent MLAs are backing the BJP-led NDA.