Imphal, March 13: The internal fissures within the Congress seems to be widening, with the MPCC (I) president Gaikhangam reportedly staying away from a Cabinet meeting yet again today.

A source informed The Sangai Express today that though a Cabinet meeting was convened at the CM's Secretariat today, Gaikhangam did not attend the meeting.

However he did turn up at the CM's residence but left after a short while.

With the AICC sensing internal problems, Gaikhangam has been summoned by the party's high command, said the source and added that he is scheduled to leave for Delhi tomorrow with some MLAs.

The MPCC (I) president was summoned to Delhi amid wide speculations that he has set up a camp of disgruntled MLAs at the residence of Rajya Sabha MP, Rishang Keishing.

About 15 MLAs are reportedly at the camp.

However a newly inducted Minister has flatly denied the story of any fissure within the Congress.

Allauddin Khan on being contacted by The Sangai Express said, "These are all unfounded rumours.

There is no question of the MPCC (I) president holding a camp at the residence of the Rajya Sabha MP.

Both Oja Rishang and his son Victor are currently at New Delhi." There is no question of any misunderstanding in the Congress Legislature Party and hence the question of dissidence against the CLP leader does not arise," said Allaudin Khan.

However about ten Congress MLAs including Gaikhangam failed to turn up for a tea party hosted by the Chief Minister at his bungalow today morning.

Apart from Gaikhangam, the Congress MLAs who did not turn up included Th Debendra, Bijoy Koijam, Govindas Konthoujam, M Oken and W Brajabidhu.

During the tea party, Chief Minister O Ibobi had a long telephonic talk with Rajya Sabha MP, Rishang Keishing, said a well placed source.

Efforts to contact the MLAs who did not turn up for the tea party by The Sangai Express drew blank.

All their mobile phones were interestingly switched off.

Gaikhangam is reportedly eyeing the post of Deputy Chief Minister.