Y Khemchand Singh Takes Oath as Manipur Chief Minister, President’s Rule Ends After 356 Days
Y Khemchand Singh Takes Oath as Manipur Chief Minister, President’s Rule Ends After 356 Days: Manipur got a new government on Wednesday with BJP leader Y Khemchand Singh taking oath as the Chief Minister at Lok Bhavan. Manipur Governor Ajay Bhalla administered the oath of office and secrecy during a ceremony held at 6 pm. With this, President’s Rule in the state was officially lifted after remaining in force for 356 days.
Y Khemchand Singh was elected leader of the BJP and NDA legislature parties a day earlier. He staked claim to form the government before the Governor earlier in the day, following which the Central Government revoked President’s Rule and paved the way for the swearing-in ceremony.
The oath ceremony also saw the induction of two Deputy Chief Ministers and other cabinet ministers. Nemcha Kipgen, who belongs to the Kuki community, and Losi Dikho from the Naga community were sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers. Since Nemcha Kipgen was not present in Imphal, she took oath online from Manipur Bhawan in New Delhi. Govinddas Konthoujam was sworn in as a minister and has been given charge of the Home Ministry.
New Government in Manipur: Khemchand Singh Becomes Chief Minister
The formation of the new government is being seen as a significant development for Manipur, which has remained in national headlines due to the prolonged ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities. There is widespread hope that peace and stability will return to the state under the leadership of Y Khemchand Singh, who is known for his liberal and inclusive image. Though he belongs to the Meitei community, he is believed to enjoy goodwill among the Kuki community as well.
Former Chief Minister N Biren Singh had resigned on February 9 last year, following which President’s Rule was imposed on February 13. The state remained under central administration for nearly a year before the new government was formed.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the newly sworn-in leaders. In a message, he said, “Congratulations to Yumnam Khemchand Singh on being sworn in as the Chief Minister of Manipur. I also congratulate Nemcha Kipgen and Losi Dikho on becoming Deputy Chief Ministers and Konthoujam Govindas Singh and Khuraijam Loken Singh on becoming Ministers. I am confident they will work diligently to advance development and prosperity for my brothers and sisters of Manipur.”
