Imphal, June 29: The CPI, a partner in the Congress-led Secular Progressive Front (SPF) government in Manipur, has demanded two cabinet berths in the new downsized ministry. The party, which placed its demand before the SPF steering committee, is “confident” of getting its way.
Moirangthem Ibohal Singh, chairman of the CPI control commission, today said, “We consider at least two berths in the new council of ministry after the downsizing is our right.”
At present, the CPI has five members in the coalition, which has a combined strength of 40, including the Speaker. At present, all five are ministers — two of cabinet rank and three ministers of state. A senior leader of the CPI said the post of deputy Speaker should also be given to the CPI in addition to the two cabinet berths on the basis of rational representation.
The total strength of Okram Ibobi Singh’s council of ministers is 32 in the 60-member House. There are 25 cabinet ministers. “We are confident that the chief minister will accept our demand of two cabinet berths considering the support extended by our party to the Congress to maintain political stability in the state. We consider it our right,” Ibohal Singh said.
Ibohal Singh, accompanied by minister of state for irrigation and flood control Thokchom Tomba Singh, made a trip to Delhi last week and informed CPI general secretary A.B. Bardhan about the demand, who, in turn, submitted it to Congress chief Sonia Gandhi.