BJP Legislature Party leader Yumnam Khemchand Singh today formally staked claim to form a new BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in Manipur, marking the end of nearly a year of President’s Rule in the state. The claim was submitted to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Lok Bhavan shortly after the arrival of the NDA leadership in Imphal.
Following the submission of the claim, President’s Rule, which had been in force since last year, was lifted with immediate effect after a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The lifting of central rule has cleared the way for the swearing-in of the new council of ministers, scheduled to be held at Lok Bhavan at 6 in the evening.
Yumnam Khemchand Singh arrived at Imphal Airport accompanied by BJP national general secretary and Manipur election observer Tarun Chugh, North East in-charge Sambit Patra, and BJP Manipur state president Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi. The NDA leadership proceeded directly to Lok Bhavan, where the formal process for government formation was completed.
Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi stated that the BJP-led NDA had sought the Governor’s consent to form what she described as a popular government, adding that the move reflected full organisational support from the party’s central leadership.
The political development assumes added significance as two Kuki-Zo MLAs, Lamka MLA L M Khaute and Pherzawl MLA Ngursanglur Sanate, entered Imphal for the first time since the outbreak of ethnic violence, signalling a new phase in the state’s strained political environment. Their presence, however, comes amid continued opposition from Kuki-Zo civil organisations that have rejected participation in the Manipur government without a prior political settlement.
Sources indicated that senior Kuki leader and former minister Nemcha Kipgen, elected deputy leader of the NDA legislature party, is expected to be sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister and may take the oath virtually from New Delhi.
With the lifting of President’s Rule and the imminent installation of a new elected government, Manipur enters a critical phase as it seeks political stability amid continuing ethnic and administrative challenges.