BJP’s Nemcha Kipgen and Losii Dikho of the Naga People’s Front sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers, represent the Kuki-Zo and Naga communities; two more MLAs take oath as Ministers
The installation of a Bharatiya Janata Party‑led National Democratic Alliance government, with a Meitei leader at the helm, brought an end to nearly a year of President’s Rule in Manipur on Wednesday (February 4, 2026).
Around 6 p.m., Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla administered the oath of office to former Assembly Speaker and martial artist Yumnam Khemchand Singh as the State’s second Chief Minister since the 2022 election. The first, Nongthombam Biren Singh, resigned on February 9, 2025, as a casualty of the ethnic conflict between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities that broke out on May 3, 2023.
VIDEO | Imphal: Y Khemchand Singh takes oath as the new Chief Minister of Manipur.
(Full video available on https://t.co/dv5TRAShcC) pic.twitter.com/x5JGBwweZe
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 4, 2026
Mr. Khemchand Singh represents the BJP from the Singjamei constituency.
The BJP’s Kangpokpi MLA, Nemcha Kipgen, from the Kuki-Zo community, and Naga People’s Front MLA Losii Dikho, a Naga leader representing the Mao constituency, were sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers. The former took the oath virtually from the Manipur Bhavan in New Delhi.
Two other Meitei MLAs — Govindas Konthoujam of the BJP (Bishnupur seat) and Khuraijam Loken Singh of the National People’s Party (Wangoi) — were sworn in as ministers at the Lok Bhavan in Manipur’s capital, Imphal.
VIDEO | Imphal: Kuki BJP MLA Nemcha Kipgen takes oath as Manipur Deputy Chief Minister virtually, while Naga leader Losii Dikho is sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister at Lok Bhavan.
(Full video available on https://t.co/dv5TRAShcC) pic.twitter.com/9AJCgYJcGG
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 4, 2026
The swearing-in followed the revocation of President’s Rule, which was imposed on February 13, 2025.
Two Kuki-Zo MLAs of the BJP — former Director-General of Police L.M. Khaute (Churachandpur seat) and Ngursanglur Sanate (Tipaimukh) — were present during the swearing-in ceremony. They reached Imphal from New Delhi earlier in the day, along with the other Manipur BJP leaders and the party’s central observers, Sambit Patra and Tarun Chugh.
Focus on peace
Congratulating Mr. Khemchand Singh and his team, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “I’m confident they will work diligently towards furthering development and prosperity for my sisters and brothers of Manipur.”
Speaking with journalists before heading for a Cabinet meeting, the Chief Minister said, “Manipur has 36 communities, and, naturally, we have two Deputy Chief Ministers representing two major communities.”
He said the Prime Minister, Home Minister Amit Shah, and the BJP’s national president Nitin Nabin entrusted him with taking the State forward and ensuring lasting peace. “There will always be challenges. We will prioritise peace and work for the State’s development and growth,” he said.
Mr. Dikho said the new government would try to fulfil the responsibilities given by the Centre. “We will reach out to the people. We will ensure inclusivity and transparency,” he said.
Reacting to opposition to the government formation from certain quarters, he said it was expected. “It takes time to get things going,” he added.
Warning to MLAs
Ms. Kipgen’s swearing-in as one of the two Deputy Chief Ministers was significant, as the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), and other organisations had asked the Kuki-Zo MLAs not to be a part of the government. These organisations want a Union Territory-like separate administration as the condition for the Kuki-Zos to participate in governance.
The KZC warned that any Kuki-Zo MLA who chooses to disregard the “collective decision” by joining the government would do so in their individual capacity and would be “held responsible for any consequences”.
