IMPHAL, February 16: In yet another twist to Manipur politics, the warring factions of the Manipur State Congress Party reunited, raising questions on the stability of newly-installed People's Front government led by Radhabinod Koijam. While Union minister of state for food processing Chaoba Singh masterminded the compromise formula in this political drama, Speaker Sapam Dhananjoy, also a leader of the MSCP, played an important role. The MSCP had split earlier, Chaoba Singh leading one faction and W. Nipamacha Singh the other. The patch-up was prompted by the Centre's instruction to limit the...

IMPHAL, February 15: Samata Party leader Radhabinod Koijam was today sworn in as the Chief Minister of Manipur ending two days of political uncertainty in this border state. Governor Ved Prakash Marwah administered the oath of office and secrecy to 58-year-old lawyer-turned-politician Koijam who heads the People's Front (PF). Koijam told reporters that he would expand the ministry on his return from New Delhi. The PF ministry would be a medium-sized one, he added. Raj Bhavan sources said Koijam had submitted a list of 45 MLAs supporting him to the Governor. The list was distributed to...

IMPHAL, February 15: Leader of the newborn People's Front and state Samata Party, Radhabinod Koijam who said an all-party government is in the offing, was today sworn in as the 24th Chief Minister of Manipur, after hectic political activities kicked up by a series of defections and change in loyalties in the last few days. The Governor, Ved Prakash Marwah today administered the oath of secrecy to the newly appointed Chief Minister at the Raj Bhavan alone at around 1:20 this afternoon. The swearing-in ceremony was attended by former Chief Minister W Nipamacha, who shook hands with the newly...

IMPHAL, February 15: Following the swearing-in of Samata Party leader Radhabinod Koijam as the new Chief Minister of the state today, a 28 member council of ministers is likely to be sworn in tomorrow. According to reliable sources, a decision to this effect was taken during a meeting of the People's Front, PF, leadership held late this evening. According to the report, all the MLAs of the Samata Party will be getting ministerial berths. MLAs Nimaichand Luwang, N Nimai, Laishram Kerani, Mayengbam Manihar, L Jonathan, M Thohrii, and Haokholet Kipgen, are certain to get cabinet berths, the...

IMPHAL, February 15: Home Minister LK Advani has instructed Radhabinod Koijam not go in for a jumbo sized ministry and to keep the ministry at its optimum level only in view of the acute financial crunch. Speaking to The Sangai Express this evening the newly sworn in Chief Minister said that the Union Home Minister also advised him not to induct any tainted Ministers including those against who are accused of having nexus with militants. Koijam further said the Centre is keen that Ministers embroiled in corruption charges should not be inducted into the Council of ministers. Koijam in response...