Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 21 2009:
The MPP has studied about the forthcoming by-poll to Yaiskul Assembly Constituency during a meeting of its central committee today.
However, the question of fielding its own candidate or otherwise has been deferred till November 23.The matter would be decided in a joint meeting of the party MLAs and the advisory committee on November 23 .
Speaking to media persons after today's central committee meeting, MPP president Dr Nimaichand Luwang conceded that it would be hard for the MPP to fight the by-poll alone as it would be a litmus test to prove whether the people of Manipur, particularly of Yaiskul A/C still support the incumbent SPF Government or not.
Nevertheless, the MPP would make all out efforts in association with other like minded political parties such as the BJP to defeat the Congress candidate.
In case, the BJP decides to field its own candidate, MPP would support their candidate.
If they decide otherwise, MPP would field a fresh candidate, Dr Nimaichand said.
"Efforts are also on to bring an understanding with the BJP president and leaders of other opposition parties on putting up a common candidate", he iterated.
The question of putting up the party's own candidate or not would be decided in a joint meeting of party MLAs and the advisory committee on Nov 23.Rather than selecting the party's candidate after inviting intending candidates, the advisory committee would give party ticket to the individual whom it thinks has the brightest prospect, the MPP president said.
So far, three individuals have applied for the party ticket.
"In case any of the party MLAs are harbouring secret intention to support candidates of other parties, they may first resign from being MLAs", Dr Nimaichand appealed.
He cautioned that provisions of the 10th Schedule may be exercised in case there is evidence of any MPP MLA supporting rival candidates.
Observing that the severe hardships being endured by the people of Manipur in the aftermath of Khwairamband incident, the ongoing class boycott and the resolute stand of student organisations to keep on hold Board and Council exams cannot be dismissed lightly, the MPP president noted that the by-poll to Yaiskul A/C is a great opportunity for the people to show their disapproval or approval of the Congress-led Government.