Governor invites Ibobi to prove strength in a week

Imphal, March 02: The Governor of Manipur, Ved Prakash Marwah has decided to invite Okram Ibobi Singh, leader of the Congress Legislature Party, and head of the Secular Progressive Front alliance, to form a new government in the state. The Governor's decision came after the Secular Progressive Front, with a strength of 35 newly elected MLA's formally staked its claim to form the government today under the leadership of O Ibobi Singh. Ibobi is to be asked to seek a vote of confidence within a week of assumption of office, according to a statement released late today by the state Raj Bhavan. The Governor decided to invite Ibobi to form the new government as no other political party or group has staked its claim for forming the new government. An eight member delegation of the Secular Progressive Front, led by Ibobi and the legislature wing leaders of the other constituent parties, including Ph Parijat of the CPI, C Doungel of the NCP and K Govindas of the MSCP, called on the Governor at the state Raj Bhavan this morning to formally stake its claim. RK Theko and T Phungzathang of the INC and Dr. M Nara and MI Singh of the CPI were also part of the delegation. Official sources added that the Governor has also recommended to the President of India that the proclamation of President's Rule under Article 356 of the Constitution in the state since June 2, 2001 be revoked. The sources said the President of India is expected to revoke Central rule in the state within the next two or three days after the Union cabinet takes a decision in this regard. In the meantime, the Governor this afternoon personally inspected ongoing work at the state Assembly, which is undergoing extensive renovation after it was burnt down during the June 18 public uprising. Assembly secretariat sources said that major repairing works had been completed and only the finishing touches and a few minor repairing works are left to be done. Work is continuing in full swing with labourers working in day and night shifts and the job is expected to be completed in the near future. The renovation work is expected to have cost some Rs 70 lakhs.