By : A Staff Reporter 11/4/2007 2:11:22 AM
IMPHAL, Nov 3: The move by several dissident ministers and MLAs of the Congress to oust O Ibobi Singh from chief ministership is at an interesting point.
Though momentarily stymied by the apparent reluctance of the AICC top leadership, including Sonia Gandhi, to grant any appointments, the dissidents are still upbeat, claiming that more MLAs are coming over to their side.
On the other hand, despite the open emergence of the dissidents, supporters of Ibobi are still claiming that there is no such move to unseat the chief minister.
In the meantime, two of Ibobi’s main trouble shooters, ministers N Biren and K Ranjit, who were apparently sent to Delhi to conciliate the dissidents were reportedly unable to meet them.
One of the MLAs camping at Delhi, when contacted by IFP this afternoon, said the numbers are on their side and the only thing left is clearance from the AICC authorities.
The MLA said the dissident group is is set to increase to 21 MLAs soon, with more MLAs including at least three cabinet ministers, expected to join their camp.
The rebel MLA said they have spoken to several AICC leaders over the failure in maintaining law and order, burgeoning corruption, and deteriorating administration in Manipur under O Ibobi Singh and stressed that it was time to go for a change.
The MLA however admitted that there has been a delay in getting appointment with the top Congress leaders, particularly Sonia Gandhi. The dissidents are now waiting for the arrival of MPCC chief Gaikhangam in Delhi, the MLA disclosed.
On the other hand, even as cabinet ministers N Biren and K Ranjit reached New Delhi yesterday at Ibobi Singh’s behest, they have been unable to contact the dissident MLAs.
In this connection, a dissident MLA said there is no going back, and they are not open to any persuasion from Ibobi Singh’s supporters.
At least 13 Congress dissident MLAs namely Elangbam Kunjakishore, L Nandakumar, W Brajabidhu, Govindas Konthoujam, T Manga Vaiphei, Dr Kh Ratan, Bijoy Koijam, M Oken, M Hemanta, I Hemochandra, K Meghachandra, M Manindra and Y Surchandra, plus at least two ministers are camping in three separate areas of Delhi at present.
E Dwijamani and Ksh Lokeshwor are also reportedly in Delhi at present, but their loyalties is still unclear.
On the other hand, the names of at least four Congressmen are being proposed as replacements for Ibobi, namely Th Debendra, Y Erabot, Govindas Konthoujam and Phungzathang, according to reliable sources. The name of current Lok Sabha member Th Meinyo has also been mentioned.
Debendra and Phungzathang are in still in Imphal, but were unavailable for comment.
Reliable sources also stated that the situation is likely to be resolved one way or the other within these two or three days, with MPCC chief Gaikhangam, chief minister O Ibobi Singh and state Governor Dr SS Sidhu all due to reach Delhi soon for different purposes.
Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Nov 3: The move by several dissident ministers and MLAs of the Congress to oust O Ibobi Singh from chief ministership is at an interesting point.
Though momentarily stymied by the apparent reluctance of the AICC top leadership, including Sonia Gandhi, to grant any appointments, the dissidents are still upbeat, claiming that more MLAs are coming over to their side.
On the other hand, despite the open emergence of the dissidents, supporters of Ibobi are still claiming that there is no such move to unseat the chief minister.
In the meantime, two of Ibobi’s main trouble shooters, ministers N Biren and K Ranjit, who were apparently sent to Delhi to conciliate the dissidents were reportedly unable to meet them.
One of the MLAs camping at Delhi, when contacted by IFP this afternoon, said the numbers are on their side and the only thing left is clearance from the AICC authorities.
The MLA said the dissident group is is set to increase to 21 MLAs soon, with more MLAs including at least three cabinet ministers, expected to join their camp.
The rebel MLA said they have spoken to several AICC leaders over the failure in maintaining law and order, burgeoning corruption, and deteriorating administration in Manipur under O Ibobi Singh and stressed that it was time to go for a change.
The MLA however admitted that there has been a delay in getting appointment with the top Congress leaders, particularly Sonia Gandhi. The dissidents are now waiting for the arrival of MPCC chief Gaikhangam in Delhi, the MLA disclosed.
On the other hand, even as cabinet ministers N Biren and K Ranjit reached New Delhi yesterday at Ibobi Singh’s behest, they have been unable to contact the dissident MLAs.
In this connection, a dissident MLA said there is no going back, and they are not open to any persuasion from Ibobi Singh’s supporters.
At least 13 Congress dissident MLAs namely Elangbam Kunjakishore, L Nandakumar, W Brajabidhu, Govindas Konthoujam, T Manga Vaiphei, Dr Kh Ratan, Bijoy Koijam, M Oken, M Hemanta, I Hemochandra, K Meghachandra, M Manindra and Y Surchandra, plus at least two ministers are camping in three separate areas of Delhi at present.
E Dwijamani and Ksh Lokeshwor are also reportedly in Delhi at present, but their loyalties is still unclear.
On the other hand, the names of at least four Congressmen are being proposed as replacements for Ibobi, namely Th Debendra, Y Erabot, Govindas Konthoujam and Phungzathang, according to reliable sources. The name of current Lok Sabha member Th Meinyo has also been mentioned.
Debendra and Phungzathang are in still in Imphal, but were unavailable for comment.
Reliable sources also stated that the situation is likely to be resolved one way or the other within these two or three days, with MPCC chief Gaikhangam, chief minister O Ibobi Singh and state Governor Dr SS Sidhu all due to reach Delhi soon for different purposes.
Imphal Free Press
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