In a bid to kickstart effective governance, Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh announced department allocations for his ministers on Wednesday, exactly one month into the new BJP-led coalition government. Yet, with seven cabinet berths unfilled and major portfolios retained by the CM, questions linger over the full shaping of the council.
The gazette notification, endorsed by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, details the assignments. Nemcha Kipgen, BJP’s Deputy CM and Kuki representative, leads Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Tribal Affairs, and Hills. NPF’s Losi Dikho handles Public Health Engineering, Forests, Environment, and Climate Change.
Home and Youth Affairs go to BJP’s Konthoujam Govindas, while NPP’s Khurejiam Loken manages Culture and Tourism. This distribution underscores the multi-party alliance’s role in addressing Manipur’s diverse ethnic fabric.
Formed after revoking President’s Rule imposed post-ethnic clashes and ex-CM N Biren Singh’s exit, the government swore in on February 4. Kipgen’s virtual oath from Delhi highlighted persistent security challenges.
Government channels described the reshuffle as pivotal for robust administration. Expansion awaits the budget session after Holi, per BJP insiders. The CM has repeatedly stressed shared duty in peace restoration.
Preceding this, a Delhi visit saw dialogues with top central leaders on displacement, reconciliation, and development. Meetings included PM Modi, ministers Gadkari, Rajnath, Sitharaman, Scindia, Chouhan, plus BJP brass, signaling strong central backing.
As Manipur’s assembly resumes normalcy till 2027, these moves aim to rebuild trust and propel progress in a violence-scarred state.