Dikho said central leaders have indicated that the Budget Session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly is likely to be held in March
KRC TIMES Manipur Bureau
Imphal : Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur Losii Dikho on Wednesday indicated that the expansion of the BJP-led government in the state may not take place immediately, stating that central leaders have given no specific signal regarding the induction of more ministers.
Speaking to reporters upon his arrival at Imphal Airport after a five-day visit to New Delhi, Dikho dismissed reports suggesting that a cabinet expansion would follow soon after his return.
Dikho, a leader of the Naga People’s Front (NPF), had accompanied Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and fellow Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen to Delhi from February 21 to 25.
During the visit, the Manipur delegation held meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and senior leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Referring to the state cabinet, Dikho said central leaders have indicated that the Budget Session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly is likely to be held in March, but no explicit direction regarding cabinet expansion was conveyed.
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Khemchand avoided interaction with the media upon arrival in Imphal and was escorted away under tight security, fuelling speculation that the much-anticipated ministry expansion could be delayed.
The new government led by Khemchand was sworn in on February 4, 2026, with a truncated council of ministers comprising two Deputy Chief Ministers – Dikho and Kipgen – and two Cabinet Ministers, Govindas Konthoujam and Khuraijam Loken. Since its formation, the government has been functioning with only four ministers, none of whom have been assigned portfolios so far.
Sources indicated that the Centre is closely monitoring the situation in Manipur, with particular focus on restoration of peace and acceleration of development initiatives in the state.
During the Delhi visit, the Chief Minister also met BJP National General Secretary (Organisation) B. L. Santhosh to discuss possible expansion of the Council of Ministers, allocation of portfolios, organisational strengthening in Manipur and preparations for the 13th Manipur Legislative Assembly elections scheduled for 2027.
