Keishing accuses RB of foiling PR imposition

IMPHAL, January 20: Former Chief Minister and the lone Congress MLA in the Assembly, Rishang Keishing has accused the Opposition alliance, Manipur Democratic Front and Radhabinod Koijam of thwarting the Centre's move to impose PR in the State. Speaking to The Sangai Express, the veteran Congressman said that Centre had already started the process of imposing PR in the State. He said that Union Home Minister LK Advani had sought the opinion of AICC president Sonia Gandhi's view on the matter. The AICC chief in turn asked Pranab Mukherjee and Ambika Soni visit the State and assess the situation. However, Radhabinod Koijam had stopped the Central observers from coming to the State, alleged Rishang Keishing. Keishing further said that the efforts of the Manipur Democratic Front is to topple the UF Government is dimming day by day. On the other hand instead of weakening the ruling front, the MDF has strengthened them, he said. The veteran Congress man said the MDF was formed in haste and added that it would have been far better if the Front was formed after imposition of PR. The former Chief Minister witbout mincing words said the efforts of the MDF to topple the Government will come to nought. He said the main stumbling block for the MDF is the lack of a consensus leader. Stating that the MPCC (I) fully endorses central intervention and imposition of PR, Keishing said the present abysmal situation calls for PR to pull the State out and, restore governance on the right track. Referring to the mass desertion by ten of the Congress MLAs, Rishang said though the strength of the party has been drastically reduced on the floor of the Assembly, the exit of the Radhabinod Koijam and Nimaichand Luwang will really strengthen the rank and file and organisation of the party.