Imphal, September 13: Acting under the instructions of the AICC high command, Power Minister Gaikhangam today formally took over as president of MPCC (I) and necessary arrangements have been taken up to follow the Congress dictum of one man, one post.

Speaking to a group of newsmen at his office at the Secretariat, Gaikhangam said that as per the principle of one man, one post of the Congress, necessary steps have been taken up to follow this to the T.Fifty five years old, Gaikhangam is the 27th president of the MPCC (I) and he is the youngest among 8 siblings.

He was born at Gaidimjang village in Khoupum valley of Tamenglong district.

Formerly the vice president of the party, Gaikhangam said that his appointment as the president of the MPCC (I) is a new assignment given to him by the party's command and added that the job entails a lot of responsibility.

The priority areas he aims to work upon as the president of the MPCC (I) is to strengthen the ties between the CLP and the Government and strengthen the stability of the Government.

Stress will also be laid to make the Congress a people friendly party, said the new president of the State Congress unit.

To a question on how he feels on having to step down from the Council of Ministry and move his attention to the party, Gaikhangam diplomatically replied that to him the party and the Government are equally important.

Striking a confident tone, the new president predicted that the Congress will get the absolute majority in the next Assembly election which is due sometime in the early part of 2007.To a question on what action he'll take up as president of the party against the Congress MLA who reportedly attended the Naga integrity rally at Kohima on August 31, Gaikhangam said the matter would be examined minutely and added that the stand of the Congress on the issue is clear.

The resolutions passed in the Assembly is the testimony, he asserted.

Gaikhangam also met the former office bearers of the MPCC (I) as well as presidents of the District Committees.

A reception will be hosted for the newly appointed president by the MPCC (I) on September 16.Gaikhangam has been a staunch Congress man and till date he has been elected five times.

Out of this he served three terms as Minister.

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