Cabinet expansion unlikely anytime soon
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 14 2026: Even though Yumnam Khem-chand was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Manipur along with two Deputy Chief Ministers and two Cabinet Ministers on February 4, 2026, expansion of the State Cabinet or distribution of portfolios is unlikely to happen any time soon.

As per Article 164(1A) of the 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, Manipur is required to have 12 members in the Council of Ministers.

However, the State currently has only five mem- bers in the Council viz; Chief Minister Y Khem- chand, Deputy Chief Ministers Nemcha Kipgen and Losii Dikho, and Cabinet Ministers Govindas K and N Loken, who all took oath on February 4 .

Despite this, no portfolios have been assigned as of yet.

President's Rule, which was imposed in Manipur on February 13, 2025 was revoked on February 4, 2026 after almost one year.

Meanwhile, many political observers have started wondering why the Government is unable to expand its Cabinet, especially when there is no apparent discord among the coalition partners - BJP, NPP, and NPF .

According to sources, both the NPF and NPP, which have already secured one ministerial berth each, are pressuring the BJP Central leadership to grant them one additional ministerial position each effectively seeking two Ministers for both the parties.

It is also reported that another group is pushing for two ministerial positions from Churachandpur district, with LM Khaute (Churachandpur AC) representing the Zomi group and Ngursanglur Sanate (Tipaimukh AC) representing the Hmar community.

This is despite the presence of several BJP MLAs in the valley districts as well.

Reportedly, some BJP MLAs have been lobbying hard with BJP Central leaders for ministerial berths.

With only seven vacancies remaining in the State's Cabinet, the competing demands for ministerial posts from various quarters have become a headache for the Centre, according to the sources.

The sources further stated that the delay in the Cabinet expansion is due to the Centre's desire for the Manipur Government to be more inclusive, and discussions are currently ongoing for the distribution of portfolios.

Meanwhile RSS joint general secretary Dr Krishna Gopal arrived at Imphal today for a three-day visit.

He landed at around 1 pm.

Coinciding with Dr Gopal's visit, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla left Imphal for New Delhi yesterday and is expected to return on February 16 or 17 .

Reports indicated that Dr Gopal, an academician himself, is not only well-versed in political strategy and organisational skills but also has considerable knowledge of North East affairs.

Dr Gopal was welcomed by members of RSS Manipur unit at the airport.

The RSS leader is scheduled to attend Hindu Sammelans in Manipur.

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