Manipur Congress slams delay in Cabinet expansion, calls it ‘murder of democracy’

The Congress in Manipur on Wednesday, April 1, criticised the delay in filling vacant ministerial positions in the State Cabinet, with senior party leader Keisham Meghachandra Singh terming the inaction as “almost akin to the murder of democracy”.

Addressing a press conference at his official quarter in Babupara, Imphal West, Meghachandra responded to media queries regarding the seven ministerial posts that remain unfilled more than a month after the formation of the government. He asserted that governance cannot be effectively carried out by a limited number of ministers and urged the ruling dispensation to expand the Cabinet without further delay.

“The government cannot be run by just a few individuals. It has already been over a month since the formation of the government, and the remaining ministerial posts should have been filled by now,” he said.

Meghachandra further described the continued delay as “undemocratic and unconstitutional”, holding the ruling party accountable for what he characterised as administrative inaction. He maintained that timely Cabinet expansion is essential to ensure balanced governance and effective functioning of departments.

The Manipur government, led by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand, was sworn in on February 4 this year. However, the Cabinet currently comprises only five members, including the Chief Minister, two Deputy Chief Ministers, Nemcha Kipgen and Losii Dikho and two Cabinet Ministers, Konthoujam Govindas and Khuraijam Loken Singh.

With seven ministerial berths still vacant, the Opposition has intensified its criticism, questioning the delay and its implications for governance in the State.