Imphal, 24 September 2020 (Evening News) : Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren has reshuffled his Council of Ministers. He has dropped off 6 ministers and inducted 5 New Ministers.  Lamsang MLA Sorokhaibam Rajen, Thanlon MLA Vungzagin Valte, Yaiskul MLA Thokchom Satyabrata and Ex Congress MLAs who have joined the BJP recently, Wangoi EX MLA Oinam Lukhoi and Wangkhei EX MLA  Okram Henry have sworn-in as the new ministers. However the new ministers’ portfolios are yet to be announced. Governor Dr Najma Heptulla administered them oath of office and secrecy at Raj Bhavan this evening. One Minister's post is still vacant. Sources said the vacant ministerial post might be filled up only after the upcoming bye election. BJP National Vice President Baijayant Panda, BJP North East General Secretary Ajay Jamwal, Chief Minister N.Biren, Manipur Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Kongkham Robindro, Sekmai MLA Heikham Dingo, Top Civil and Police Officials were present on the occasion. The Six ministers who have been dropped off from the State Cabinet are Agriculture Minister V. Hangkhalian, Education Minister Dr Th. Radheshyam, Social Welfare Minister Nemcha Kipgen, CAF & PD Minister Karam Shyam, Health Minister L. Jayantakumar and Tribal Affairs and Hills Minister N Kayisii .
Speaking to media on the sidelines of the swearing-in ceremony at Raj Bhawan this evening, BJP National Vice President Baijayant Panda said the Ministerial reshuffle will strengthen the BJP led State Government. He added that the reshuffle was done after a thorough consideration for future. Commenting about the one vacant Ministerial post, Baijayant Panda said the post was kept vacant deliberately in view of the upcoming bye election and pending court cases of some MLA seats.