MSCP merger issue creates rift between Ibobi, Rishang

Imphal, May 25: The question of welcoming MSCP back into the fold of Congress Party has reportedly created a rift between Chief Minister O Ibobi who is also the chief of MPCC and RS MP Rishang Keishing. According to sources in the Congress, the rift between Ibobi and his mentor Rishang started the day MSCP president Th Chaoba mooted the idea of merging his party with the Congress. Ibobi is also sore with Rishang after the latter showed his desire to hold the post of MPCC president. Some Congress legislatures have also defended the CM and opposed the idea of Rishang holding the reins of the party. It may be mentioned here that Rishang met the AICC High Command and lobbied for Chaoba. If Chaoba comes back to Congress, then it would mean an increase in the tally of MPs for the party at the Centre. As this would bolster the number of Cong MPs, AICC High Command gave the green signal to merge MSCP with the Congress. On the other hand, Chief Minister Ibobi collected signatures of 19 Congress MLAs and submitted the same to the High Command citing their stand against embracing MSCP. Ibobi presenting his case to the Central leaders reminded that Chaoba was responsible for the fall of the Congress Govt some years ago. He also expressed apprehension that if Chaoba is inducted into the party, he could start groupism within the party. Contending that Chaoba split the party and weakened its base, Ibobi maintained that he would step down if Chaoba is admitted into the party. Ibobi's stand has also found support from majority of the CLP members. The DCC presidents have also sent the Central AICC leaders relevant documents in support of the CM. The CLP members have also reportedly threatened to resign if Chaoba is re-inducted into the party. Merger deal yet to materialize: A final agreement on the merger of MSCP to the Congress still eludes the SPF partners as no decision in this regard was taken during the AICC meeting held today in Delhi, said reliable sources. A prominent Congress leader speaking on condition of anonymity said there is no deal in sight for the moment. Senior Congress functionaries including Rajya Sabha MP Rishang Keishing and Chief Minister O Ibobi will be returning to Imphal tomorrow. The merger issue is most likely to be finalized at the Stale level first after their return, he said. The source added the Chief Minister will undertake an official trip to Delhi on May 28/ 29. It is believed the merger issue may be taken up during the trip.