Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 05:
Even though the splinter group of the MSCP led by M Hemanta is understood to have stated that the MSCP has not withdrawn from the SPF coalition, confusion still reigns over the status of the party vis-�-vis the SPF Government as the Steering Committee of the SPF had already agreed to the withdrawal of the party from the coalition.
Mention may be made that the MSCP under Lok Sabha MP Th Chaoba had snapped ties with the SPF on November 12 last year and subsequently announced the merger of the party with the BJP on November 14.However a number of disgruntled MSCP members led by M Hemanta had voiced their stand against the merger throwing a cloud of confusion over the status of the party.
Speaking to newsmen today, Chief Minister O Ibobi who is also the chairman of the Steering Committee said that the Election Commission of India is yet to recognise the group led by M Hemanta.
Moreover the ECI is also yet to announce its decision over the merger announcement of the MSCP with the BJP; he said and added that if the ECI recognizes the MSCP led by M Hemanta then the Steering Committee of the SPF will discuss the status of the MSCP anew.
Mention may be made here that Higher Education Minister Y Erabot and Social Welfare Minister Vivek Raj Wangkhem were dropped from the Council of Ministers after Chaoba snapped ties between the MSCP and the SPF and after the Steering Committee gave the nod to the withdrawal of the MSCP from the SPF.
The Chief Minister also hinted that the inquiry conducted by the Vigilance Commission against School Education Minister Dr Maniruddin Sheikh in connection with the charges leveled by the KYKL has been finalized.
He however added clearly that the inquiry report is yet to reach him.