Manipur is gearing up for a new government as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) moves to elect a new leader to replace N. Biren Singh, who resigned as Chief Minister, leading to the imposition of President's Rule in the state on February 13, 2025. The President's Rule will complete one year on February 12, 2026. BJP's legislative party is set to meet and elect a new leader who will be sworn in as the next Chief Minister.

The BJP has appointed Tarun Chugh, the party's National General Secretary, as the central observer to oversee the election of the leader of its legislature party. BJP leaders summoned all of its legislators and alliance partners from Manipur to New Delhi for a crucial meeting. Most of the NDA MLAs from the valley and the Naga community, including former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, traveled to Delhi.

The decision to seek a new leader comes after a prolonged period of ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities, which led to political instability and ultimately the imposition of President's Rule. The BJP hopes that bringing in a new face will help to ease the tensions and restore normalcy in the state.

Several names are being discussed as potential replacements for Biren Singh. These include Thokchom Satyabrata Singh, the current Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, Yumnam Khemchand Singh, an MLA from Singjamei constituency, Govindas Konthoujam, MLA from Bishnupur constituency, Thounaojam Basanta Kumar Singh, a four-time MLA, and Thokchom Radheshyam Singh, MLA from Heirok.

However, the political landscape remains complex. Kuki MLAs are reportedly facing pressure from their community, which has been demanding a separate Union Territory for Kuki-majority areas. It remains uncertain whether the Kuki MLAs will agree to be part of the government formation process unless their demand for a separate administration is met.

The Centre has been engaged in discussions with various ethnic bodies to defuse the crisis. Prime Minister Modi's visit to the state in September 2025 was seen as a significant step towards restoring normalcy.

As Manipur approaches the deadline for the end of President's Rule, the coming days will be critical in determining the future leadership and stability of the state. The BJP faces the challenge of navigating the diverse interests of the different communities and forging a consensus on a new leader who can lead Manipur towards peace and development.