MPCC change of guard likely after LS polls
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 25 2013: Even as uncertainty prevails on when the change of guard in the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) would be effected, some Congress Legislature Party (CLP) members hinted at some Ministers focussing on amassing personal wealth in view of the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh's declaration that reallocation of Ministerial posts would be inevitable in case Ministers concerned do not perform satisfactorily.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, some CLP members disclosed to the Sangai Express that certain colleagues of theirs, enjoying Ministerial powers, had been concentrating on galvanising available resources to enrich themselves as there is no guarantee on longevity of wielding power.

Recounting that the Chief Minister had himself declared to media persons on the sidelines of the oath taking ceremony of present Council of Ministers that based on performance or non-performance there would be replacement of Ministers in a year's time, the CLP members suggested that the CM review performances of certain ministers to accommodate others.

Expressing that it is the prerogative of the CM to change or retain Minister(s), the CLP members reiterating that some of the Ministers are indulging in wealth amassing activities rather than in judicious implementation of development programmes also observed that the CM should be fully aware who among the CLP members should be provided ministerial posts.

With regard to the change of guard in the MPCC, a source in the State Congress organisation conveyed that All India Congress Committee (AICC) is yet to take a decision on replacing Gaikhangam as the president of MPCC chief.

Opining that replacement of Gaikhangam, if any, could be worked out only after the Parliamentary elections, the source explained that as there is possibility of the polls being conducted ahead of schedule, Central party leaders are unlikely to make a move on the matter.

Not ruling out possibility of Gaikhangam continuing as the State Congress chief till the all india Congress party's organisational elections supposed to held in 2017, the source nevertheless stated that after Lok Sabha elections changes in the State party organisation may be effected.

Even though Gaikhangam had confided soon after his appointment as the Deputy Chief Minister and assigned the Home portfolio, that he would like to quit the party's top post to concentrate on matters concerning the State as well as focus on development programmes in his home constituency, the Deputy CM is also indicating that he would like to continue as the MPCC president till the completion of the Lok Sabha polls, disclosed the source.

On the otherhand, some CLP members whose chances for consideration in the Council of Ministers are very remote have reportedly been eyeing the top MPCC post.

The source revealed that among those interested in substituting Gaikhangam, MPCC vice president T Mangibabu and MLAs E Dwijamani and TN Haokip are in the race.

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