Imphal, January 03: The decision of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh to contest the 9th Assembly election from Khangabok as well as Thoubal Assembly constituencies has caused anxiety and resentment among sections of the Khangabok public.

o Ibobi was elected to the 8th Assembly from Khangabok AC.

As the CM's decision to contest from the two ACs spread a large number of Khangabok unit Congress workers and local sympathisers in bus loads arrived at the CM's official residence at around 10.30 am today.

According to informed sources, the Khangabok locals met the CM and making their intention clear against Ibobi's decision reportedly expressed strong resentment.

Talking to the Sangai Express after coming out of the CM's bungalow some of Ibobi's loyalists conveyed that the announcement that the CM would contest from both the ACs has not only confused party workers and sympathisers but has also divided the Khangabok public.

They were of the view that having been elected to the 8th Assembly from his home Constituency Khangabok the recent announcement of contesting from Thoubal AC also has caused a flutter among the workers apart from raising suspicion in their minds.

When questioned whether the decision reflects Ibobi's lack of faith on the Khangabok electorates they responded in the negative and conveyed that O Ibobi has confided to them that with the AICC consent he (Ibobi) had taken the decision.

The CM also reportedly assured the workers and sympathisers that he would clarify his position in a public platform soon.

Suggesting that decision to contest from both the ACs need to be thoroughly studied with particular emphasis on the prevailing political scenario, the workers opined that in case Ibobi sticks to his decision than the voters will have to weigh between O Ibobi and L Jatra.