New Manipur CM faces cabinet expansion test

The newly elected Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh faces a tough task in expanding his cabinet. On Wednesday, nearly a month after forming the new government, Singh allocated portfolios among the two deputy chief ministers and two cabinet ministers.

According to the state notification, deputy CM Nemcha Kipgen has been given rural development and panchayati raj along with tribal affairs and hills. The second deputy CM, Losii Dikho, has been allocated public health engineering as well as forest, environment and climate change.

Cabinet minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh has been given the home, youth affairs and sports portfolios, while Khuraijam L Singh will handle the arts, culture and tourism department. The CM has kep 8 portfolios with himself.


Khemchand Singh, Nemcha Kipgen and Konthoujam Govindas Singh belong to the BJP, while Losii Dikho and Khuraijam Loken Singh are from the Naga People's Front (NPF) and the National People's Party, respectively.

Several legislators are waiting for cabinet berths. Muslim organisations have also demanded the induction of at least one Muslim minister in the cabinet.

With assembly elections due next year, state leaders expect a cabinet expansion soon. However, according to sources, the proposal for expansion is pending approval from the BJP's central leadership.