Imphal, June 17: Living up to his reputation as a soft spoken as well as an astute politician, MPCC (I) chief Gaikhangam admitted that there may be some minor differences in the Congress Legislature Party, but this does not mean that there is a demand in the change of the CLP leadership under Chief Minister O Ibobi.

He however took a jab at the CM and remarked, "The undue delay in effecting the expansion of the Ministry is not positive".

Gaikhangam returned to Imphal today after meeting a host of AICC leaders, including Sonia Gandhi to discuss the internal issue of the CLP.

Talking to some reporters today, the MPCC (I) chief said that during his meeting with Sonia Gandhi and other leaders of the AICC he urged them to help in effecting the expansion of the Ministry as soon as possible.

"I also talked with the Chief Minister at Delhi and urged him to expedite the expansion of the Ministry," added the MPPC (I) president.

The failure to expand the Ministry is something unique and has never happened in other States, said Gaikhangam and added that he resigned from the Council of Ministers to create one more vacancy in the Ministry so that the pressure on the CM will be lessened.

Due to the failure to expand the Ministry, the Chief Minister is burdened under the weight of about 15 portfolios, said Gaikhangam and added that this was precisely the reason why he wants the expansion to take fast and ease the burden on the CM.

Gaikhangam also informed that his resignation from the Council of Ministers has been accepted by the AICC chief, Sonia Gandhi and added that his main objective is now to strengthen the Congress in Manipur as its president.

Dispelling all speculations, the MPCC (I) chief said that though there are no major differences within the CLP, some minor issues were discussed with the AICC leaders.

Though some of the young members of the CLP may feel slighted, this should not be construed as a major issue among the MLAs, said the veteran Congress leader.

It would be wrong to say that the Congress is a divided house just because some of the younger MLAs have expressed their dissatisfaction, opined Gaikhangam.

The MPCC (I) chief once again dispelled the speculations that he had resigned from the Ministry because he was not given the post of Deputy CM.

Gaikhangam categorically stated, "I never ever asked for the post of Deputy CM.

Even if I were offered this portfolio, I have not even entertained any thoughts about accepting it".

Gaikhangam further said that when he tendered his resignation he did express any voice of dissent or discontentment and added, "I resigned because I wanted to create some room to accommodate the others as well as help the Government translate the promises given by the Congress to the people during the election".

There are no major differences of opinion between the Chief Minister and other members of the CLP and there never will be any differences, asserted Gaikhangam.

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