Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, November 21, 2009:
A day after the announcement of the schedule for bye-election to 14-Yaiskul Assembly constituency, political parties of the state have started holding pow-wows in their offices to find a consensus on fielding a common candidate to fight the ruling parties.
MPP held its Central Committee meeting today at 11 am at its office.
Later, party president Dr Nimaichand Luwang communicated with BJP president, H Borbabu on the matter of nominating a common candidate in the bye-election.
Dr Luwang said, his party considered that it will not be possible to defeat the ruling Congress candidate in the bye-election.
The party wanted to discuss nominating a common candidate in consultation with other like minded parties.
Like-minded parties will make a concerted effort to field a common candidate in the bye-election.
It does not mean that they would be able to install a new government, but they would show that Congress has no support from the people in the aftermath of the July 23 incident.
He said that there had been talks among the leaders of the opposition parties in this regard well ahead of the announcement of the election schedule.
NCP, Manipur Pradesh, CPI (M), Manipur State Council and MPP had been discussing the issue of fielding a common candidate in the ensuing bye-election.
Dr Luwang further said that the party has communicated with the BJP president, H Borbabu.
A concrete decision will be taken at a party meeting scheduled for November 23 in which advisors of MPP and legislators will take part.
The common candidate will be selected among the aspirant candidates proposed by the respective parties, he added.
In an interaction with BJP President, H Borbabu, he said, for the party, its Yaiskul Mandal has been asked to furnish a report on the prospect of the party in the constituency.
The party will not invite applications from aspiring candidates.
A series of meeting will start from tomorrow to chalk out the party's strategy for the bye-election, Dr Borbabu added.
General secretary of NCP, K Sharatkumar said, the party is also determined of fielding a common candidate.
But, the matter will be discussed after party president Radhabinod Koijam who is currently in New Delhi comes back.
CPI (M) has also started consultations among the party leaders.
The party will take a major role in fielding a common candidate in the forthcoming bye-election, party source said.
Even though there was no official announcement for the Congress candidate for contesting the bye-election, Councilor of Imphal Municipal Council, Gandhi is likely to be nominated as the party's candidate.
He is trying to get Congress ticket in the bye-election.
If Suraj, son of late E Kunjeshwor is given the Congress ticket, Gandhi is likely to contest the bye-election as an independent candidate.
He has already started election campaign.
For the Congress, so far no discussion on the bye-election has been held as Chief Minister, O Ibobi and MPCC president, Gaikhangam are still camping at New Delhi.
The matter will be discussed after the two leaders return home, sources said.