Manipur Opp. keeps leadership open

IMPHAL, January 16: The Opposition Manipur Democratic Front (MDF) today said its leadership issue was open and would be decided in a democratic manner. The MDF's move is seen as an attempt to woo Union minister of state for food processing Thounaojam Chaoba Singh, an arch rival of chief minister W. Nipamacha Singh in the ruling Manipur State Congress Party (MSCP). MDF convenor Nimaichand Luwang told newsmen that they would democratically elect a leader after the Nipamacha Singh-led United Front of Manipur (UFM) ministry was toppled. "Those MSCP leaders who want to join the MDF after splitting the party can also claim the leadership or participate in electing the new leader," he added. Luwang, however, was categorical that the new MDF leader, who would head the next government, would be elected democratically after Nipamacha Singh's government was toppled. Sources said the MDF's move aimed at winning over Chaoba Singh's supporters. The Union state minister commands about five to six legislators in the 31-member MSCP legislature wing. As Chaoba Singh also harbours the ambition to return to state politics, the offer could prove lucrative, they added. The MDF formed a three-member committee at a meeting today to negotiate with MSCP dissidents. The committee comprises Luwang, Manipur People's Party (MPP) chief O. Joy Singh and senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader C. Doungel. However, Joy Singh, who is also the MDF spokesperson, said the leadership issue could not be imposed on the MDF by MSCP dissidents, but should be settled democratically once the Opposition got the magic figure which would enable them to set up an alternative government. Reacting to the split in the Congress, Joy Singh said the merger of 10 Congress legislators with the Samata Party had strengthened the Opposition's position. The MDF said it wanted to reconvene the Assembly session to dispose off the no-confidence motion against Nipamacha ministry. He, however, demanded that the chief minister should stop confining his ministers and legislators at his residence. Joy Singh said the MDF would urge Speaker Sapam Dhananjoy to reconvene the Assembly session which was adjourned sine die on December 1. The MDF's stand on this issue is a move to please Governor Ved Marwah who has already asked the Speaker to reconvene the session without further delay. When asked about the possibility of the Governor proroguing the winter session and summoning a fresh one, Joy Singh said in such an eventuality the Governor would have to address the House as it would be the first session of this year. But it would not be proper for the Governor to address the House when a no-confidence motion is pending against the government, he added. Luwang said they were preparing to officially inform the Speaker on the merger of the Manipur Regional Congress Party and the Progressive Federal Party of Manipur with the Samata Party. The merger at party-level was announced in New Delhi a few weeks ago, but the formal merger in the House was yet to take place. The Samata Party's strength in the House can be recognised as 13 only after the Speaker puts his official seal on the merger. As per the rules, the Speaker has to be informed of the merger within 30 days. Luwang said they would send the statement to the Assembly within the stipulated time.