NDA Stakes Claim to Form New Government in Manipur
After nearly a year of President’s Rule, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is set to form a new government in Manipur. On Wednesday, Y. Khemchand Singh, the leader of the NDA legislature party, officially staked his claim to lead the state.
A Sharda Devi, the state BJP chief, confirmed that an NDA team led by Singh met with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Lok Bhavan to formalize the request. The delegation notably included two MLAs from the Kuki-Zo majority districts of Churachandpur and Pherzawl.
Key Leadership Appointments
The move follows a series of high-level meetings. On Tuesday, the BJP legislature party elected 62-year-old Singh as its leader during a session in New Delhi. The meeting was attended by 35 of the 37 BJP MLAs, along with central observers Tarun Chugh and Sambit Patra.
Following the BJP internal meeting, a broader NDA session was held at Manipur Bhavan. Legislators from the following groups attended to endorse the new leadership:
- National People’s Party (NPP): 6 members
- Naga People’s Front (NPF): 5 members
- Independents: 3 members
The coalition also named Nemcha Kipgen, a prominent leader from the Kuki community, as the deputy leader of the NDA legislature party.
A Vision for Peace and Stability
In a statement on social media, Khemchand Singh expressed his gratitude and shared his goals for the state. “I am confident that with the formation of the new Council of Ministers, peace and development will serve as our guiding principles,” he wrote.
While acknowledging the challenges ahead, Singh emphasized that the new government’s priorities would remain focused on growth and stability for Manipur. He confirmed that the official oath-taking ceremony would take place shortly.
Context of the Political Transition
Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 2025, following a period of intense ethnic unrest. The violence originally broke out on May 3, 2023, after a protest march in the hill districts against the Meitei community’s request for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
The human cost of the conflict has been high:
- Casualties: At least 260 people have been killed, including Kuki and Meitei civilians as well as security personnel.
- Displacement: Thousands of residents have lost their homes and remain displaced.
With the transition back to a local government, many hope that the state can begin a meaningful journey toward reconciliation and long-term peace.
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