DPP stab makes DPA roar with fury

Imphal, April 06: The Opposition Democratic People's Alliance, DPA, reacted bitterly to its desertion by the Democratic People's Front, terming the DPP an 'imposter' and charging that it was motivated by lust for power. Addressing a press conference at his quarters, Dr L Chandramni, the DPA convenor, clarified that the DPP had given no reason for its withdrawal from the front. He added that the DPP's action is a shock to him, as the DPP MLAs Dr Meinya and N Biren had been the proposers of the Opposition Rajya Sabha candidate Radhabinod Koijam at the time of filing of nomination papers. Dr Chandramani said it was very unfortunate that the DPP which had been raising its voice for the welfare of the people had succumbed to love for power, adding that this would lead to the people losing their confidence in the party. He went on to say that the DPA has not been hurt by the defection of the DPP. Dr Chandramani also said the claim of the SPF government not to bring in POTA in the state was false, as all preparations for implementation of POTA have already been made. Radhabinod Koijam, who attended the conference, said the consequences of the step taken by the DPP would not be good, particularly at this juncture. Citing the many problems faced by the people of the state, he said the politicians and ministers and MLAs have been hijacking the interests of the public for years, and said politicians should be aware of what the people really want. Rejecting outright the charge that he was colluding with an underground outfit to win the Rajya Sabha elections, he said it was mere propaganda to secure political advantage. He countercharged that his rival Rishang Keishing has been working hand in hand with UGs for years. Radhabinod Koijam further charged that DPP working president Udoi Thongam, had offered to bring over 10 MLAs of the ruling front to vote for him in the Rajya Sabha polls for a sum of Rs 1 crore. He said that when the offer was rejected, Udoi Thongam brought down the price to Rs 50 lakhs. He charged that the DPP may have been bribed by the Ruling front to secure its support in the Rajya Sabha polls. He called the withdrawal of the DPP an irresponsible act and said its attitude was dangerous for the state. Joining in the attack upon the DPP, MPP president O Joy Singh recalled that the DPP had sworn to protect Manipur's territorial integrity, and questioned whether the DPP after its defection still stood by its stance. Saying that the DPP had become a power mongering party, he said that if it really wanted to serve the public, it would not go along with the Congress I, which he said had paved the way for the present threats to Manipur's territorial integrity. O Joy's colleague, Dr Nimaichand Luwang said the DPP's leadership appeared to be lacking in maturity. He added that the SPF by its actions was inviting the Opposition to overthrow it.