Uncertainty over cabinet expansion in Manipur

Twenty-one days after the formation of a new BJP-led government in Manipur under Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, uncertainty continues to loom over the expansion of the cabinet and the distribution of portfolios.
On February 4, Singh took oath as chief minister following his election as leader of the BJP legislature party, ending nearly a year of President’s Rule in the strife-torn state. Alongside him, two deputy chief ministers were sworn in—Nemcha Kipgen of the BJP representing the Kuki community and Losii Dikho of the NPF representing the Naga community. The move was seen as an attempt to balance representation among Manipur’s diverse and sensitive communities. Two other MLAs, Govindas Konthoujam of the BJP and Khuraijam Loken Singh of the NPP, also joined the cabinet.
As per constitutional provisions, Manipur can have up to 12 ministers including the chief minister. This allows Singh to induct at least seven more ministers into his council. However, three weeks after the swearing-in, neither cabinet expansion nor portfolio distribution has taken place, leaving political circles speculating about the delay.
Speculation intensified when Singh and his deputies visited New Delhi on February 21, reportedly to discuss the pending matters with central BJP leaders. After four days in the capital, they returned to Imphal today. Deputy CM L Dikho, responding to reporters at the airport, said, “Nothing can be said as of now,” when asked about timelines for cabinet expansion and portfolio allocation.
He added that no clear decisions were finalized during meetings with central leaders. Other MLAs, including BJP spokesperson Kh Ibomcha, echoed similar uncertainty.
Dikho did confirm that the budget session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly is likely to be held in the second week of March. He described the meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “very positive,” noting the Prime Minister’s satisfaction in interacting with the state leaders. Singh and his deputies also met Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and BJP national president Nitin Nabin during their Delhi visit.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Singh, upon his return, shifted focus to infrastructure development. He inspected ongoing works at Dingku Road in Imphal, where concrete pavement laying is in progress. In a social media post, Singh said he reviewed the pace and quality of the project with senior officials, directing them to accelerate progress while maintaining standards. He emphasized that the completion of the road would enhance connectivity, reduce travel time, and improve daily commuting for residents. Singh linked the project to Prime Minister Modi’s vision of “Ease of Living” and the state’s commitment to building better infrastructure.
While the chief minister continues to highlight development priorities, the delay in cabinet expansion and portfolio distribution has left many in Manipur awaiting clarity. With the budget session approaching, political observers believe decisions will need to be made soon to ensure smooth governance in the fragile state.