Imphal, March 4 – A month after the formation of the new government in Manipur, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has finally distributed key departmental portfolios among his cabinet colleagues. The announcement came on Wednesday, marking a significant step towards stabilizing the state’s administration amid ongoing ethnic tensions.
However, several crucial departments remain under the direct control of the Chief Minister, signaling his intent to maintain firm grip on core governance areas. Notably, seven minister positions in the expanded council are still vacant, with expansion expected post the upcoming budget session.
According to a notification issued by Chief Secretary Punneit Kumar Goyal, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla approved the allocations on the advice of the Chief Minister. Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, the sole woman minister from BJP and belonging to the Kuki community, has been assigned Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, alongside Tribal Affairs and Hill Areas Development.
Her counterpart, Losi Dikho from Naga People’s Front (NPF), takes charge of Public Health Engineering, as well as Forest, Environment, and Climate Change. BJP MLA Konthoujam Govindas Singh will oversee Home, Youth Affairs, and Sports, while Khurejiam Loken Singh of National People’s Party (NPP) gets Arts & Culture and Tourism.
This coalition setup reflects the delicate ethnic balance in Manipur, with BJP leaders holding pivotal roles alongside allies led by Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio (NPF) and Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma (NPP). The official government X post hailed the move as ‘a crucial step to strengthen governance and ensure focused leadership in key departments.’
The new administration took oath on February 4, shortly after President’s Rule was lifted, ending a turbulent period triggered by the resignation of former CM N Biren Singh amid ethnic violence. Kipgen took her oath virtually from Manipur Bhawan in New Delhi due to security concerns.
Senior BJP sources indicate cabinet expansion is imminent after the budget session, likely post-Holi. A one-day assembly session on February 5 saw Governor Bhalla’s address. CM Khemchand has emphasized collective responsibility for restoring peace, involving all stakeholders.
Recently, the CM and deputies met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi, discussing rehabilitation of internally displaced persons and bridging community divides. Khemchand also held talks with PM Modi, Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, and Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Party discussions with BJP chief Nithin Gadkari and organization secretary BL Santosh focused on political strategies.
With the 60-member assembly’s term extending to 2027, the government faces the herculean task of healing ethnic rifts that led to President’s Rule from February 13, 2025. These portfolio allocations set the stage for concerted efforts towards normalcy and development.