Imphal, Dec. 30: Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh last night herded key members of the ruling alliance into his official residence here in a bid to shield them from the prying eyes of the BJP-led Democratic People?s Alliance (DPA). A confidant of the chief minister today confirmed the development, indicating that he was feeling the heat of the Opposition campaign.
Two weeks ago, Ibobi Singh shunted 10 ministers perceived to be disloyal to him out of the state. The majority of these leaders are still holed up in a Calcutta hotel, though the chief minister denies having banished any of his colleagues to the Bengal capital.
The Secular Progressive Front (SPF) claims the ministers received threatening telephone calls from people hired by the DPA. The callers allegedly asked the ministers to join the Opposition and topple the government.
Ibobi Singh first disclosed this at a news conference last week, saying he was more concerned about the wellbeing of his ministers and their families than the fate of his government. However, he did not specify which group issued the threats.
As many as 23 ministers, including those from the CPI, are reportedly camping at Ibobi Singh?s residence.
The lone woman minister, W. Leima Devi, has been allowed to stay at her residence. Senior Congress member C. Doungel and the two legislators who were dropped from the ministry last month on charges of indulging in anti-party activities are not part of the group staying at Ibobi Singh?s residence.
The strength of the SPF ministry is 37 at present.
Sensing the tension in the ruling alliance, DPA leader and former chief minister R.K. Dorendro Singh stepped up his demand for a special session of the Assembly to test the strength of the ministry.
Accusing Ibobi Singh of keeping his ministers under ?house arrest?, he warned that such moves would invite President?s rule. He said ministers were not attending office, causing an administrative breakdown.
The crisis deepened with government employees again refusing to end their monthlong ceasework.
The chief minister?s aide, however, said most ministers were regularly going to their offices.
?In view of the threats, the ministers were given extra security so that they could continue with their routine work. They will continue to stay at the chief minister?s place as long as the threat to their lives remains,? he said.
DPA youth wing president P. Premananda yesterday demanded President?s rule, saying the administration had lost control over the situation.