BJP, MPP workers not pleased with Kshetrigao decision

IMPHAL, April 12: Although there has been an understanding at the top level of the various political parties in the Ruling coalition, the People's Front, headed by Chief Minister Radhabinod Koijam, that the Samata Party candidate for the Kshetrigao Assembly by-election would be given a clear field, the scenario at the ground level is entirely different. Political observers here predict considerable friction between the Ruling allies if their leadership pushes forward their understanding without first seeking the endorsement of their workers. There are already indication of revolts within the parties that have agreed to forsake the constituency, most particularly the BJP and the MPP, according to reliable sources. It may be recalled that the BJP until recently was preparing to project ex-minister, Md Mahamuddin Shah as its candidate for the by-election to the constituency. On April 9, however, the BJP national president, Jana Krishnamurti has given his written assurance to the Samata Party national general secretary, Shambhu Shrivastava, that the BJP would not set up a candidate at Kshetrigao. In like manner, the MPP president, O Joy, has given his nod to the suggestion by the Samata Party state president, O Lorhii, that the MPP should forgo Kshetrigao in the interest of the People's Front coalition. Both the parties are now facing the prospect of revolt within their respective parties, sources said. The Samata Party will be setting up the second son of the late Wangkhem Basantakumar, whose death resulted in the vacancy in the Assembly. As for controversy ridden MSCP, it is still not known for certain if it plans to set up a candidate, but it is learnt that there are people vying for its ticket. The Kshrigao constituency has a total of 23,828 voters who will exercise their franchise in 30 polling booths on May 11. Of the 30 stations, 20 have been declared either as sensitive or hyper sensitive. The SDO Imphal East, Binodini Devi has been appointed the returning officer of the byelection. The last date for filing nomination is April 24 and scrutiny of the papers will be done on the next day. The last date for withdrawal of nomination papers has been fixed on April 27, according to official sources.