Imphal, February 15: The much-anticipated expansion of the Manipur Council of Ministers under Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh is likely to take place on February 23 or 24, according to sources.
 |
| Manipur CM Khemchand’s Cabinet expansion likely Feb 23–24; Centre weighs inclusivity amid coalition pressure and MLA lobbying. |
The development is expected to follow the Chief Minister’s visit to New Delhi, where he is scheduled to pay courtesy calls on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Sources indicated that the final decision on the induction of new ministers will be taken by Amit Shah and the BJP central leadership.
Under constitutional provisions, Manipur can have a maximum of 12 ministers, including the Chief Minister. At present, only a few ministers have been sworn in, leaving several vacancies to be filled in the upcoming expansion.
Political observers note that the Kuki community has reportedly demanded three ministerial berths in the new cabinet. Nepcha Kipgen has already been sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister. Meanwhile, leaders such as L.M. Khaute and Ngursanglur Sanate are said to be expecting induction when the next swearing-in ceremony takes place.
However, the delay in the Cabinet reshuffle has triggered speculation. Political observers are questioning why the expansion has not yet taken place, especially when there appears to be no open discord among coalition partners - the BJP, the NPP, and the NPF.
According to sources, both the National People's Party (NPP) and the Naga People's Front (NPF), which have already secured one ministerial berth each, are pressing the BJP central leadership for one additional ministerial position each. This effectively means both parties are seeking two ministers apiece.
At the same time, several BJP MLAs are reportedly lobbying hard with central leaders for inclusion in the ministry. The Kuki community has also been demanding three ministerial berths, adding to the competing claims.
With only seven positions available, the growing demands from coalition partners, party legislators, and community groups have reportedly become a challenge for the Centre. Sources further stated that the delay in the Cabinet expansion stems from the Centre’s intent to make the Manipur government more inclusive, with ongoing discussions focused on the equitable distribution of portfolios.
The proposed expansion is seen as a significant political development in the state, especially amid ongoing efforts to ensure broader representation and stability in Manipur’s governance structure. Further official confirmation is awaited.
