Newly elected NDA legislature party leader Y Khemchand Singh has made a claim to form a government in Manipur, which has remained under President’s Rule since February of the previous year. Upon his arrival in Imphal, Khemchand, accompanied by an NDA delegation, met with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Lok Bhavan to officially stake their claim for a popular government. This delegation included two MLAs from the Kuki-Zo majority districts, Churachandpur and Pherzawl.
During the meeting, Sharda Devi, a member of the NDA team, confirmed that they sought to establish governance in the state with Khemchand as their leader, supported by BJP observer Tarun Chugh. Khemchand later expressed his satisfaction on social media regarding the claim made before the Governor in the company of significant party figures, including National General Secretary Tarun Chugh and Northeast Coordinator Sambit Patra.
The political maneuvers follow a recent meeting in New Delhi where the BJP legislature party elected Singh as its leader, with 35 of the 37 BJP MLAs in attendance alongside party officials. Further consolidation occurred during a subsequent session at Manipur Bhavan, where members from various NDA constituents—including the National People’s Party (NPP), Naga People’s Front (NPF), and Independent legislators—endorsed Khemchand Singh and named Nemcha Kipgen from the Kuki community as deputy leader.
Khemchand announced that an oath-taking ceremony will occur soon, expressing confidence that the new Council of Ministers will prioritize peace and development. He acknowledged the challenges ahead but reaffirmed the commitment to the vision of a developed India and Manipur, thanking supporters for their trust and responsibility. This development signifies a crucial step in the political landscape of Manipur as the NDA seeks to establish a governing body amidst ongoing challenges.
