Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 24 2009:
To review the political development in the State in the aftermath of the Lok Sabha elections, a meeting of the CPI State executive committee meeting held today has decided to call upon the Chief Minister to convene a meeting of the SPF steering committee.
The meeting presided by CPI State secretary L Iboyaima deliberated on the relevance of SPF in the present political scenario.
CPI National Executive Committee member and Health and Family Welfare Minister Ph Parijat, MLA N Mangi and convenor of SPF Dr M Nara were also present in the meeting.
Analysing the political developments in the aftermath of the Lok Sabha elections, particularly with regard to the changing relationships between SPF partners��CPI and Congress, the meeting decided to call upon the Chief Minister to convene a meeting of the SPF steering committee at the earliest.
A copy of the decision has also been submitted to the Chief Minister who arrived here from Delhi this afternoon.
Significantly, an informal meeting of the MPCC's highest decision making body held at Delhi on May 22 resolved to eject the CPI from SPF.
Although the meeting was said to be informal, it was seen as significant as it was attended by Chief Minister O Ibobi, MPCC president Gaikhangam, MPs Rishang Keishing, Dr T Meinya and Thangso Baite, senior Cabinet Ministers and some MLAs.
Speaking to media persons after the executive committee meeting, CPI State secretary L Iboyaima said that Congress and CPI joined to form SPF based on not only political advantages but also on the understanding to fight certain major issues of the State jointly.
Some of the major issues/points under which the alliance was forged included establishment of a stable Government, jointly tackling all threats to the territorial integrity, strengthening democracy, initiating political dialogue to solve the problem of insurgency and accelerating development, Iboyaima elaborated.
After completing its first five year term, the SPF Government id completing second year of its second term.
But under the changing political balance, it is questionable whether the SPF was still relevant or not, he noted.
For the SPF partners to continue their alliance or part ways in a genial manner, it needs a political decision, SPF convenor Dr M Nara said.
With the Congress enjoying a simple majority in the Assembly, they may prefer a Congress exclusive Government.
If the Congress feels CPI as unnecessary, CPI will pull out from the coalition, he said.
Asserting that the steering committee meeting was necessary to convey the agenda and desires of both Congress and CPI, Dr Nara said that it would be up to the wisdom of the Chief Minister whether to convene a steering committee meeting or
not.