President’s Rule in Manipur has been formally revoked, clearing the path for the formation of a BJP-led NDA government in the violence-hit northeastern state.
President Droupadi Murmu issued a proclamation withdrawing the President’s Rule imposed under Article 356 of the Constitution, bringing the central administration in Manipur to an end with effect from February 4, 2026.
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Ahead of the revocation, NDA legislature party leader Y Khemchand Singh staked his claim to form a government. An NDA delegation met Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Lok Bhavan in Imphal to formally present the claim.
Manipur BJP president A Sharda Devi confirmed the development, stating that the delegation included elected representatives from both valley and hill districts, including two MLAs from Kuki-Zo majority areas.
Leadership Decision Finalised in Delhi
The move follows the election of 62-year-old Singjamei MLA Y Khemchand Singh as leader of the BJP legislature party at a meeting held in New Delhi. The meeting was attended by 35 of the 37 BJP MLAs, along with BJP central observer Tarun Chugh, Northeast coordinator Sambit Patra, and state party leaders.
Subsequently, NDA partners — six MLAs from the National People’s Party (NPP), five from the Naga People’s Front (NPF) and three Independents — endorsed Singh as the NDA leader.
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The NDA legislature party also named Nemcha Kipgen, a leader from the Kuki community, as its deputy leader, signalling an attempt to ensure broader representation amid lingering ethnic tensions.
Confirming the next steps, Singh said the oath-taking ceremony would be held shortly, adding that peace and development would guide the priorities of the new Council of Ministers.
“With the formation of the new government, peace and development will be our guiding principles,” Singh said.
State Emerging From Prolonged Unrest
Manipur has remained under President’s Rule since February 2025, following prolonged ethnic violence that began on May 3, 2023, after protests in hill districts against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status.
The unrest has claimed at least 260 lives, displaced thousands, and deeply fractured relations between Meitei and Kuki communities, making governance a significant challenge for the incoming administration.
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Acknowledging the difficulties ahead, Singh said the political roadmap for Manipur would align with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat while addressing the state’s unique challenges.
“The journey is not without challenges, but our priorities will remain firmly aligned with peace, development and stability,” he said.
