In Manipur, a National People's Front (NPF) MLA took oath as Minister in the present BJP led coalition government today.<br />''<br />'' MLA representing Tamei Assembly Constituency (ST) Awangbou Newmai took oath as Minister at the Raj Bhawan in Imphal this afternoon. Manipur Governor Dr. Najma Heptulla administered oath of office and secrecy to Shri Newmai. Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, Cabinet Ministers, Lok Sabha MPs (both Inner and Outer) attended the swearing-in ceremony. His portfolio is not decided till the filling of the report.<br />''<br />''The present BJP led State government will have 12 Ministers including Chief Minister which consist of 5 from BJP, 4 from NPP (National People's Party), two from NPF and one from LJP (Lok Janshakti Party).<br />''<br />''It may be mentioned that Chief Minister N. Biren Singh led coalition government had been functioning with 11 Ministers including himself after Th. Shyamkumar, Minister of Environment and Forest, MAHUD and Horticulture & Soil Conservation was removed from cabinet by an interim order of Supreme Court of India on March 18. The apex court judgment based on his disqualification case also bans him to enter the Assembly till further order.<br />''<br />''The top court's judgment was in response to a miscellaneous application filed by Congress MLAs praying Shyamkumar's disqualification under Tenth Schedule of the Constitution of India after his unceremonious exit from the party.<br />''<span style="color: #222222;"><br />''Following the verdict of SC, Shri Shyamkumar submitted his letter of resignation from the membership of the current 11th Manipur Legislative Assembly to Speaker.</span>