In the conflict-torn region of Manipur, plagued by tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities, the BJP is set to form a new government. Representing the Meitei community, 62-year-old Yumnam Khemchand Singh is poised to be the new Chief Minister. He was chosen as leader in the BJP legislative assembly meeting on Tuesday. Manipur is about to see a continuity of sorts, transitioning from a footballer to a Taekwondo player leading the state.
Once a staunch ally turned rival of former Chief Minister N Biren Singh, Yumnam Khemchand Singh has emerged as a preferred choice in BJP's political narrative. Known for his loyalty to the party, he enjoys strong connections with both Meitei and Kuki communities. This broad appeal contributed to the BJP's decision to entrust him with the CM role. So, who exactly is Yumnam Khemchand Singh?
Meet Yumnam Khemchand
Set to become the Chief Minister of Manipur, Yumnam Khemchand Singh was born on March 1, 1963, and hails from the Meitei community. A close associate of Biren Singh, he got involved with Taekwondo during his early education. He underwent formal martial arts training in South Korea and represented India in numerous international tournaments. Notably, he captained the Indian Taekwondo team.
A Two-Decade Taekwondo Journey
Khemchand embarked on his Taekwondo journey in 1977, maintaining momentum for the next twenty years. During this period, he played a pivotal role in promoting the sport across India. Recently, he was honored with the prestigious 5th Dan Black Belt by the Global Traditional Taekwondo Federation in Seoul, South Korea, symbolizing decades of discipline and mastery.
Apart from being an athlete, Yumnam Khemchand ventured into sports administration. He held the position of Vice President at the Taekwondo Federation of India (TFI) and contributed significantly to the early institutional development of Taekwondo in northeastern India. In 1982, he founded the Assam Taekwondo Association and spent nearly nine years in Guwahati. Post-1992, he returned to Manipur and began coaching, later serving as President of the Manipur Taekwondo Association and as a coach for the Indian team.
Transition to Politics
Yumnam Khemchand began his political journey in 2002 with former Chief Minister Biren Singh as a member of the Democratic Revolutionary People’s Party. This party emerged in response to a movement by Meitei groups opposing an extension of the ceasefire with the Naga insurgent group NSCN (IM) by the Indian government in 1997. This was perceived as a threat to Manipur’s territorial integrity.
Biren Singh was elected as MLA for the party in 2002 and later merged it with the Congress in the assembly. Meanwhile, Khemchand continued establishing his identity as a senior Taekwondo player and coach but ventured into active politics by joining the TMC in 2012. He contested the election from Singjamei on a TMC ticket but lost by 157 votes. Subsequently, in 2013, he joined the BJP and grew close to the RSS.
From MLA and Speaker to Minister
In 2017, Khemchand Singh was elected to the Manipur Legislative Assembly from the Singjamei constituency on a BJP ticket and became part of the state’s first BJP government. He served as the Assembly Speaker and was re-elected as MLA in 2022, taking on ministerial responsibilities in Biren’s government. He adeptly managed key departments such as rural development, panchayati raj, municipal administration, housing development, and education.
Active in Manipur’s politics for nearly two decades, Khemchand gained significant political recognition during BJP’s second term. His simple nature and clean image won him not just BJP leadership’s trust but also a firm presence among the people of Manipur. Despite being from the Meitei community, he maintained good rapport with both the Kuki and Naga communities. This is why amid Manipur’s violence, Khemchand was the first leader to visit Kuki community camps.
How Did Khemchand Secure the CM Position?
After achieving fame in sports, Yumnam Khemchand entered politics to establish his identity and is now set to become the state’s CM. In the government led by Biren Singh, where many BJP legislators were inexperienced, Khemchand emerged as the Assembly Speaker. He also became a preferred choice among BJP leaders.
During rising discontent within the party in 2024, Khemchand became part of the group demanding a change in leadership from the central BJP leadership. Along with Satyabrata Singh, they pressured the central leadership, leading to Biren Singh stepping down. In a twist of fate, Khemchand was chosen as the leader in the BJP legislative assembly meeting.
Political analysts claim that Khemchand is considered close to the RSS in Manipur, maintaining good relations with BJP leadership and favored by Kuki and Naga communities. Considering his moderate Meitei image, BJP decided to appoint him as Chief Minister. How will he manage the reins of power?
