Imphal: Nemcha Kipgen, a senior BJP leader from Manipur, is likely to become the state’s next Deputy Chief Minister. If confirmed, she will make history as the first woman and the first member of the Kuki-Zo community to hold the position.
Kipgen has represented the Kangpokpi Assembly constituency since 2012 and has previously managed key portfolios in the state government, including Social Welfare, Cooperation, Commerce and Industry, and Textiles.
Over the years, she has also been active in youth empowerment programs and community initiatives in her region.
She is married to ST Thangboi Kipgen, the chairman of the Kuki National Front, and is the niece of four-time legislator Thangminlen Kipgen. In the 2022 Assembly polls, Kipgen retained her Kangpokpi seat with a margin exceeding 5,000 votes.
Yumnam Khemchand Singh has been chosen as the BJP Legislative Party leader and is expected to take oath as Manipur’s next chief minister. Reports suggest there may also be a plan to appoint a Naga MLA as an additional deputy chief minister, though nothing has been officially confirmed.
The BJP has begun the process of forming the new government, with national general secretary Tarun Chugh appointed as central observer to supervise the developments.
Several senior party leaders and MLAs from Manipur travelled to Delhi for discussions with the central leadership, just ahead of the conclusion of the state’s second term under President’s rule.
Manipur has been under President’s rule since February 13, 2025, after clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities created widespread unrest. The central government extended the rule for six months in August 2025.
Following the resignation of the BJP-led government headed by N Biren Singh in February 2025, the 60-member Assembly, which will serve until 2027, has remained in suspended animation.