Radhabinod warns against any move to destabilise his govt

IMPHAL, March 8: Chief minister Radhabinod Koijam today said all the constituent partners of the People's Front Government would be treated equally and the Government will consult all the partners in any policies to be taken up by the Government. He, however, warned that any move to destabilize the Government from within will only boomerang on the party concerned. Speaking at a reception function organised by the Samata Party for the ministers and Councilors at GM Hall today, the Chief Minister said there may be elements who are keen to destabilize and topple the Samata party led coalition. Putting up a brave front the Chief Minister said the Samata Party will never cower before such elements and such challenges will be met firmly and sternly. In politics there is no retreat, he said adding that there is every possibility of increasing the Samata Party strength from present 12 MLAs to 30 over night. Radhabinod, however, said he is not keen to embark on such a journey and engineer splits and defection. The Chief Minister said ten of the 11 elected Congress MLAs switched side to the Samata Party because the MLAs wanted to pull the State out of the deep morass and put it back on then track of development. Recalling the late State Samata Party president W Basantakumar, he said the Samata Party would endeavor to achieve the aims and aspirations of the late leader. On the militancy problem, he said the State has had to pay a heavy price for the underground movement. Many young lives have been snuffed out many revenues earning units and factories had to close down shops due to the pressure exerted by the militants. Stating that gun culture and violence is anathema to development, Radhabinod reminded all that it is not only the gun-wielding militants who have the best interest of the land in their hearts. All politicians also have the best interest of the land and people in their hearts. As the goals and aspiration of both are similar the underground members should discard their guns and come to the negotiating table to work out a lasting solution, said the Chief Minister. On the financial condition, Radhabinod Koijam said since the PF Government inherited huge liabilities from the previous regime, the annual plan outlay for the current fiscal year may not cross the Rs 300 crore mark.