Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh chairs BJP meet; cabinet expansion likely after Budget

Imphal: After a series of meetings with the central leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh chaired a meeting with BJP legislators at Thambal Shanglel, the BJP Manipur headquarters in Imphal, on Thursday.

The meeting, also attended by BJP Manipur President A. Sharda Devi, focused on strengthening coordination among party legislators, reviewing ongoing developmental initiatives, and reaffirming the collective commitment to the progress and welfare of the people of Manipur.

On his ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) handle, the Chief Minister wrote, “It was a meaningful and constructive interaction aimed at ensuring unified efforts and effective governance for the continued growth of the state.” During the meeting, the Chief Minister reportedly assured the legislators of the Centre's commitment to peace and development in the state.

Regarding the cabinet, sources close to the Chief Minister stated that the much-publicized ministry expansion is likely to take place after the Budget session, which is scheduled to be convened after the first week of March.

This indicates that the distribution of portfolios and the swearing-in of new ministers may not happen in the immediate future.

Khemchand, who went to New Delhi on February 21 and returned to Imphal on February 25, held a series of courtesy meetings with top central leaders, including PM Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, among others.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Deputy Chief Ministers Nemcha Kipgen and Losii Dikho during these meetings in New Delhi.