Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 04:
Even as the last date for the withdrawal of nomination papers for the election to the post of MPP president drew to a close today, it is still not yet clear whether the nomination papers of AK Sanaton will be accepted or rejected.
The election is scheduled to be held on December 11.Trouble erupted yesterday when one of the aspiring candidates, joint secretary L Borajao lodged a complaint contending that the nomination of AK Sanaton should be rejected as he was yet to clear some of the party's account at his disposal.
The complaint was lodged even as the scrutiny of Sanaton's paper was underway at the MPP office yesterday.
The scrutiny however accepted the nomination papers of L Borajao and the other aspiring candidate, general secretary (organisation) Ksh Brajamani.
Even though it was announced yesterday that the status of Sanaton's nomination papers will be known within 24 days, a final decision is yet to be taken till today.
Speaking to newsmen, State Returning Officer Binodkumar said that he is yet unable to take a decision on the matter as the power and authority conferred on him by the Election Rule drafted by the Central Committee does not cover the matter.
Election rule number 13 of the party states that if there is any discord then the matter should be referred to the party's leadership and senior members and a decision should be taken after due consultation with the State Returning Officer.
Following this rule, the SRO put the matter to the party's president O Joy yesterday itself and thereafter a meeting of the Working Committee including its members, Birachandra, Birenyaima, joint secretary Nilchandra, treasurer M Jadumani, SRO M Binodkumar and ARO Ayub Khan was held at the residence of O Joy.
During the meeting the SRO was instructed to conduct hearing on the charges levelled by Borajao against Sanaton.
Following this a hearing was conducted by the SRO at the MPP office from 10.35 am till 11.30 am today.
The report of the hearing has been submitted to O Joy and a meeting is scheduled to be held at the residence of the party's president today at 6 pm.
The final decision on the fate of Sanaton will be officially announced tomorrow.
Though the case of Sanaton is yet to be settled, the last date of withdrawing the nomination paper was not postponed.
In case Sanaton's case is accepted then he will be given some time to withdraw his papers.
To a question on what transpired at the hearing, Binodkumar said that since he is not an expert in accountancy, his job was to record the statement of Sanaton and Borajao.
The hearing will be discussed in the meeting scheduled in the evening, he said and added that the during the discussion, the cash book dating back from 2002 to December 31, 2004 will be studied.
Account ledgers of the same period have also been collected, he added.




