India, Feb. 3 -- BJP MLA Y Khemchand Singh was on Tuesday elected as the leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party's legislative party in Manipur. Party sources said Singh, who represents Singjamei Assembly constituency, is widely expected to be sworn in as the next Chief Minister. The move clears the way for a new government amid prolonged instability and ethnic tensions in the state.

Recently, Khemchand drew attention for his outreach to Kuki villages in Litan. The visit was seen as unprecedented, as no Meitei leader had ventured into Kuki-inhabited areas due to security concerns and mistrust. Observers described it as a rare confidence-building gesture to restore dialogue across communities.

A seasoned legislator, Khemchand, 58, brings ex...