Imphal, September 16: Power, and information & Public Relation Minister Gaikhangam began his new innings as Manipur Pradesh Congress Party President today with pledges to protect and preserve emotional and territorial integrity of Manipur.

A felicitation programme to welcome the newly appointed MPCC chief was organised by the party at Congress Bhavan this afternoon wherein Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, Lok Sabha MP Dr T Meinya, party legislators, leaders and enthusiastic workers attended.

MSCP MLA Y Erabot was also present among Congress leaders as members of the dais.

The felicitation began with Assistant Pradesh returning Officer Bidyapati Senjam handing over appointment certificate issued by the AICC high command to the CM O Ibobi Singh who subsequently presented the same to the new incumbent Gaikhangam.

The CM who had been the PCC president till Gaikhangam's appointment also handed over the same charge to the Nungba AC legislator.

In his brief speech, Gaikhangam termed AICC reposing faith upon him as reflection of transparent and non-discriminatory policy of the Congress party.

The new incumbent said in compliance with the party's one man one post principle he will step down from his ministerial position.

Spelling out his agenda as PCC chief, Gaikhangam pledging to uphold the emotional and territorial integrity of Manipur at any cost also affirmed to strengthen Congress legislators and party organisation relationships as well as strive to establish strong bond among the party units, and people at the grassroots.

Appealing for cooperation from the party workers in implementing welfare schemes, Gaikhangam advocated solution of internal differences in cordial and honourable manner instead of relying on media to highlight personal grudges.

Addressing the party worker congregation, erstwhile MPCC President O Ibobi Singh conveyed his relief at the prospect of party workers have comfortable access in meeting the party's chief to air their problems and exuded confidence of Gaikhangam able to plug the communication gap between party workers, legislators and all concerned.

Having faith upon Gaikhangam to close the hill-valley gap, revive party roots at every nook and corner of the State, ibobi expressed that under the new president's political acumen Congress party would gain absolute majority on its own in the next assembly election.

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