Code of conduct enforced for by poll
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 25:
Following the announcement of the date for the by-election in Khangabok Assembly Constituency on June 2, political parties have started electioneering activities.
Political parties have convened meetings of their respective election committees to decide on their prospective candidates.
With the election code of conduct already enforced, expansion of SPF Ministry has been put on hold till the by-elections.
The by-election in Khangabok A/C was necessitated after O Ibobi who was elected from both Khangabok A/C and Thoubal A/C seats in the 9th Assembly elections, abdicated the former Assembly seat on March 12.In the last Assembly elections, Ibobi faced a stiff challenge from MPP candidate L Jatra in Khangabok A/C.Out of the 32 polling stations of the constituency, Ibobi led in 21 polling stations while Jatra secured more votes in 11 polling stations.
Among the political circles, it is widely speculated that the by-election in Khangabok A/C may see a triangular contest among Chief Minister O Ibobi's wife, Landhoni, former candidate in many earlier elections M Borajaoba and L Jatra.
As for the MPP, it is convening a meeting of its election committee within a short time to decide on its candidate for the by-election, informed MPP president Dr L Chandramani.
Even as the Khangabok Block Congress Committee has announced that it will support the INC's expected candidate O Landhoni, many Congress supporters in the constituency are against MPCC fielding Landhoni in view of the unfolding political scenario.
Many Congress supporters have conveyed their preference to field another candidate trusted by the Chief Minister from one of the people belonging to either Sangaiyumpham, Lamding, Samram, Wangbal, Uyan or Nepra Company.
They are of the opinion that Landhoni may not be able to win people's confidence and garner enough votes.
On the other hand, as allotment of portfolios to Ministers is considered a sort of appointment, expansion of SPF Ministry will have to be postponed till the by-election.
Many MLAs have disclosed that though the Governor has administered the oath to office and secrecy to six Ministers in accordance with the advice of the Chief Minister, the election code of conduct should encompass the next expansion as induction of Ministers is a sort of appointment.