Manipur CM keeps 8 portfolios as cabinet expansion awaits BJP nod
Singh on Wednesday divided portfolios between two deputy CMs and two cabinet ministers, a month after forming the new government.
According to the state notification, the rural development and panchayati raj department and tribal affairs and hills department have been allocated to deputy CM Nemcha Kipgen. Second Deputy CM Losii Dikho was allocated the department of public health engineering, forest environment and climate change. State minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh was given the portfolio of home affairs, youth affairs and sports. Khuraijam Loken Singh was given the department of arts, culture and tourism. The Prime Minister himself held eight portfolios.
While CM Khemchand Singh, Nemcha Kipgen and Konthoujam Govindas Singh belong to the BJP, Losii Dikho and Khuraijam Loken Singh are from the Naga People’s Front (NPF) and National People’s Party (NPP) respectively.
Many legislatures are waiting for the cabinet to be seated in the state. Many Muslim organizations demanded that at least one Muslim minister be appointed to the cabinet. With assembly elections due next year, state leaders expect the cabinet to be expanded soon. However, according to sources, permission for expansion is pending with the national leadership of the BJP. Sources told ET that the party wants the government to reach an agreement first as some newly appointed ministers are facing difficulties.
Deputy CM Nemcha Kipgen, who belongs to the Kuki community, had to take oath virtually from Manipur Bhavan in New Delhi due to security reasons. After his accession to the cabinet, a series of protests were held in Kuki-dominated areas of Manipur.
