Koijam ministry fighting battle for survival

IMPHAL, February 27: The seven-party coalition, led by Samata Party Chief Minister Radhabinod Koijam, is fighting survival battle following the resignation of three Ministers and the formation of a new party. The three Ministers, namely Health Minister, Nimaichand Luwang, Commerce and Industries Minister Khumukcham Amutombi and Animal Husbandry and Arts and Culture Minister M Manihar, have however softened their stance after a discussion with their party leader and Chief Minister R B Koijam. On the other hand, two members of the Federal Party of Manipur (FPM) including the Deputy Speaker, K Raina, split from their original party and formed a new party called the Democratic Federal Party of Manipur (DFPM). After tendering his resignation to the Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly, S Dhananjoy, the Deputy Speaker and former Arts and Culture Minister W Thoiba announced the formation of the new party before a group of mediapersons on Monday. The speaker also accepted their resignation and recognised their new party under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. The sudden step taken by the two DEFM members appears to be a retort to the exclusion from the Ministry. Both K Raina and W Thoiba have charged the FPM leader. Gangmumei Kamei of not informing them about the induction of two MLAs of FPM into the Council of Ministers even at the eleventh hour. Former Deputy Speaker, K Raina, termed the expulsion as a betrayal, and said that it compelled the break away and form the new party. Thoiba said. Ever since the inception of the FPM, had put in my efforts to boost the image of the party. Replying to a question, the rebel leaders made it clear that they have not yet decided to merge with any political party at the moment. Mentionably this is the second time that the FPM has been hit by desertion. Earlier, two members- Haokhorlet Kipgen and L Jayantakumar - had switched sides to the Opposition camp reducing the strength of the party from a credible six to four members. Kipgen and Jayantakumar subsequently formed the Progressive Federal Party of Manipur (PFPM) but later merged it wit the Samata Party. Both are now Ministers in the PF ministry.