Imphal, November 05: Even as the rebel MLAs have submitted an ultimatum to the AICC high command demanding the ouster of Chief Minister O Ibobi, the Chief Minister accompanied by some of his loyal MLAs today called on AICC president Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Home Minister Shivraj Patil and AICC North-East in charge, Prithiviraj Chauhan at New Delhi and briefed them on the political development in Manipur.

However the reported meeting between the Chief Minister and leaders of the AICC have not dampened the spirit of the rebel MLAs as hectic lobbying is still on for his removal, said a source from Delhi.

While the two opposing camps have left nothing to chance to see their agenda through, the Congress Working Committee is scheduled to meet on November 7 wherein they will hear the stories of both sides separately.

The submissions of the two sides will then be discussed in the AICC meeting scheduled to be held at Talkatora stadium on November 17, wherein a final decision is likely to be taken.

With Sonia Gandhi granting an audience to the Chief Minister today, O Ibobi and his supporters including IFCD Minister N Biren, Works Minister K Ranjit and MLAs E Kunjeshore, E Dwijamani and Lokeshore will return to Imphal tomorrow, informed Works Minister K Ranjit, while talking to The Sangai Express today evening.

The two sides, one led by MPCC (I) president Gaikhangam and the other by the Chief Minister are reportedly putting on their best foot forward to convey their stand effectively to the AICC leadership, said a source and added that hectic lobbying and closed door meetings are the order of the day at Delhi.

Not taking any chances, the rebel MLAs have made sure that the Chief Minister and his men do not get in touch with any of the MLAs in their attempt to wean them away, said the source and added so far the CM's camp has not been able to meet any of the dissident MLAs, who are staying at an undisclosed place.

According to some MLAs who are in the dissident camp, everything is ready to show AICC president Sonia Gandhi their strength as well as to put across their points clearly and effectively.

At the moment, hectic lobbying is on to seek an audience with her, they said.

Asserting that they have the required number to unseat Ibobi, the rebel MLAs claimed that at present they have 17 MLAs including Ministers in their camp.

The number is likely to go up, they added.

Some Ministers who are presently at Imphal will also come to Delhi to show their collective strength once a date with Sonia Gandhi is fixed, claimed the dissident MLAs.

In a new development, FCS Minister Y Erabot, who is in the dissident camp, aborted his plans to return to Imphal from Delhi today due to the prevailing political uncertainty.

On the other hand, Rajya Sabha MP, Rishang Keishing, who has openly stated his stand against O Ibobi reached New Delhi today.

Sources from Delhi said that he has met the rebel MLAs to discuss future course of action.

Lok Sabha MP Dr T Meinya has also met Sonia Gandhi and other AICC leaders and briefed them on the political situation in Manipur today.

A dissident MLA while talking to The Sangai Express said that the Centre is presently studying the law and order situation and has also taken a serious note of the charges of misappropriation of funds.

The reports submitted by the Governor to the Centre from time to time are also being studied, said the MLA and added that taking all these into considerations, the days of Ibobi can be counted.

On the other hand, Works Minister K Ranjit said that the Chief Minister accompanied by IFCD Minister N Biren, MLAs E Kunjeshore, E Dwijamani and himself met Sonia Gandhi today, the Prime Minister and Home Minister and Prithiviraj Chauhan and briefed them on the political development in Manipur.

Ranjit however refused to divulge details of the meeting.

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