Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 25:
Senior Congressman Thoudam Debendra, who is also the law and Legislative Affairs Minister of the SPF Government is likely to face a stern test of his loyalty to both the ruling coalition and dissident group of Congress Legislators.
According to press sources close to the dissident group, the Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh is scheduled to attend a Government function at Jiribam sub-division on January 29 which also include Th Debendra in the said itinerary.
Th Debendra represents Jiribam assembly constituency.
With Debendra already intimated to reach New Delhi on January 27 for an important meeting with the AICC General Secretary Prithviraj Chauhan which is learnt to have been convened to resolve the internal crisis within the Congress organisation sparked off by dissensions among the party legislators subsequent development of whether Debendra leaves for the national capital or opts to accompany the CM to Jiribam needs to be scrutinised from various angle, the source expressed.
Significantly, dissident MLAs are informed to have been closely monitoring the situation as Debendra's leadership as projected by the rebel group would be tested by his choice of travel Jiribam or New Delhi.
Adding to the unfolding Congress drama is the return of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaikhangam today, his busy schedule of presiding over the Republic Day celebration at Congress Bhavan tomorrow and accompanying Debendra to New Delhi the next day as change in the SPF leadership is being highly speculated, the dissent source confided.
Moreover, attendance of members of the Congress Legislative Party at the February 1 assembly session will be decided after return of Gaikhangam, the source added.