Imphal : Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Friday evening called on Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Lok Bhavan, marking his first official meeting with the Governor since assuming office earlier this month.

According to an official communiqué, the meeting focused on strengthening initiatives aimed at the welfare and holistic development of the state. Sources close to the Chief Minister said discussions also covered the likely induction of new members into the Council of Ministers and the allocation of portfolios.

Khemchand is expected to travel to New Delhi within the next few days to hold consultations with central leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The Chief Minister will be accompanied by Deputy Chief Ministers Losii Dikho and Nemcha Kipgen during the visit to the national capital.

Sources indicated that after Khemchand’s return from New Delhi, the remaining seven vacant ministerial berths are likely to be filled on February 23. The allocation of portfolios to both newly inducted and existing ministers may also be finalised on the same day.

Notably, Khemchand, MLA from Singjamei Assembly Constituency, was sworn in as Chief Minister on February 4, along with Losii Dikho (Mao AC) and Nemcha Kipgen (Kangpokpi AC) as Deputy Chief Ministers. On the same day, Govindas Konthoujam (Bishnupur AC) and Khuraijam Loken (Wangoi AC) took oath as Cabinet Ministers.

With five ministers currently in office, seven positions remain vacant, as the state’s Council of Ministers is mandated to have a total strength of 12. Portfolios for the ministers sworn in earlier this month are yet to be allocated.