Yumnam Khemchand Singh elected BJP Legislature Party Leader, poised to become CM – On Feb 3 2026, the 62‑year‑old MLA from Singjamei was chosen as the BJP’s Legislature Party Leader in Manipur, clearing the way for him to be sworn in as chief minister after a year of President’s Rule [1].
Nemcha Kipgen expected to become first woman Kuki‑Zo Deputy Chief Minister – Sources say the Kangpokpi MLA will be appointed deputy chief minister, marking the first time a woman and a member of the Kuki‑Zo community hold the post; another deputy CM may come from the Naga People’s Front alliance partner [1][3].
President’s Rule imposed on Feb 13 2025, assembly term ends Feb 2027 – The state was placed under central rule after former CM N. Biren Singh resigned on Feb 9 2025; the assembly was suspended and its tenure runs until February 2027, prompting efforts to restore elected government [4][5].
Singh enjoys backing from former CM Biren Singh and RSS, but some Kuki‑Zo MLAs remain skeptical – Central observer Tarun Chugh noted Biren Singh’s support; however, BJP MLA Paolienlal Haokip warned he will not join the government until a political solution for Kuki‑Zo demands, including a separate Union Territory, is secured [1].
BJP and alliance leaders met Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to stake claim for government formation – After the legislature party election, senior BJP figures including national general secretary B.L. Santhosh, Manipur in‑charge Sambit Patra, and state president A. Sharda Devi gathered with the governor to present their majority claim [1].
Recent outreach to Kuki‑Zo villages and displaced persons aims to ease ethnic tensions – On Dec 8 Singh visited Kuki‑Zo villages in Ukhrul and Kamjong and a relief camp for those displaced by the May 2023 ethnic violence that killed over 250 and displaced 60,000, signaling a push for reconciliation [1].