Radhabinod ministry expansion proposal still under a cloud

IMPHAL, February 19: The state Chief Minister, Radhabinod Koijam, held talks with Union defence minister George Fernandes this evening at the latter's residence in New Delhi on the question of expansion of the People's Front ministry, but no final resolution could be arrived at, sources in New Delhi said. The meeting was attended among others by the Union minister of state for food processing, T Chaoba, and several members of the state team accompanying the minister. The sources said the meeting could not reach any concrete decision concerning the matter of expansion of the ministry, and it was decided to hold further discussions tomorrow. The chief. minister also met with Union home minister LK Advani very briefly today before the latter left Delhi for Agra, but it is not known yet what transpired at the meeting. Sources said further talks are likely to be held with the Union home minister after he returns from Agra tomorrow on the political issues concerning the state, and the question of expansion of the Radhabinod Koijam ministry. It is therefore thought unlikely that the ministerial expansion can take place by February 21, as the Chief Minister had promised in a press conference two days back. In the meantime, political observers feel that the political crisis that began on November 15 last has not ended with the installation of a People's Front ministry, but only shifted into a new phase, as indicated by the delay in expansion of the ministry, and the fact that Radhabinod was forced to consult Central leaders on the issue. Our sources add that even the leaders in New Delhi appear to be working at cross-purposes. The BJP national secretary in charge of the Northeast border area states, PB Acharya, reportedly held talks with Union home minister LK Advani on the situation in the state before the latter left for Agra, and later with MSCP working president T Chaoba. Sources in the meantime indicated that Samata Party leaders have intensified efforts to draw in some more MLAs belonging to regional parties into the Samata Party fold. On the other hand, some MLAs are reported to be contemplating a shift to the BJP in the belief that a BJP led government will be stable.