Yumnam Khemchand Singh sworn in as Chief Minister of Manipur

President’s Rule Revoked in Manipur : President Droupadi Murmrevoked President’s Rule in Manipur with effect from 4 February 2026, paving the way for the restoration of an elected government after nearly one year of central rule.

Legal authority: The revocation was done under Clause (2) of Article 356 of the Constitution, which empowers the President to impose or revoke central rule in a state.

New Government: Following the revocation, Yumnam Khemchand Singh of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was sworn in as Chief Minister. Two Deputy Chief Ministers — from the Kuki and Naga communities — took oath as part of an inclusive setup.

Why it matters: The decision ends a prolonged period of direct central administration in the northeastern state and restores democratic governance with an elected leadership after a phase of political uncertainty and unrest.

Article 356 & President’s Rule

Article 356 of the Constitution allows the President to assume control of a state if the state government cannot function according to constitutional provisions, based on the Governor’s report or other information.

President’s Rule places the state under central administration; the Legislative Assembly is either suspended or dissolved, and the Governor acts on behalf of the President.

Revocation of President’s Rule restores popular government and state legislative functions.

Background — Manipur’s Political Context

President’s Rule was first imposed in Manipur on 13 February 2025 after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned amid prolonged ethnic violence and political instability.

Manipur experienced ethnic conflict between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 2023, causing serious law and order breakdown that contributed to the imposition of central rule.

Parliament had earlier extended President’s Rule multiple times, including a six-month extension in August 2025, under Article 356 with legislative approval.

Restoration of Democracy

The restoration of elected government aligns with constitutional principles of federalism and representative democracy, ending direct central administration once political conditions stabilize.

Yumnam Khemchand Singh’s appointment reflects the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) legislature party’s majority support in the Manipur Legislative Assembly.

The inclusion of leaders from different ethnic communities as Deputy Chief Ministers is seen as an effort to enhance social cohesion and inclusive governance in a diverse state.