Imphal, January 13: Growing differences between the Chairperson of the Congress led ruling United Front Councillor L Brajakishore and its Vice-chairperson Komlabati have started threatening the stability of the Front.

Adding fuel to the crisis of the Front, four Councillors of the ruling Front have allegedly switched allegiance to the Opposition threatening to reduce the Front to a minority.

Disclosing this, a well placed source said that the matter has even reached the ears of the MAHUD Minister and the Councillors have started grouping themselves into blocs.

The new crisis comes at a time when the employees of the IMC are on cease work strike demanding their outstanding salaries.

Differences between the Chairperson and Vice-chairperson arose as the Chairperson failed to consult the Vice-chairperson on vital issues, said the source.

The misutilisation of NSDP fund has also driven a wedge amongst the Councillors who have started grouping themselves.

Of the 27 Councillors of the IMC the ruling Front enjoys the support of 17 Councillors while ten are in the Opposition.

Talking to The Sangai Express members of the Opposition Civic Front said that four members of the ruling Front have withdrawn their support to the Chairperson four days back.

The four Councillors represent Ward numbers 1, 4, 19 and 11 and they have already submitted their resignation letters from the ruling Front.

The four Councillors were given a warm reception at the residence of the Opposition leader Guneshore, said the Opposition members adding that their strength has now increased to 14 in the 27 member Council.

This means that the ruling Front is now reduced to a minority with only 13 members, they contended.

The Opposition members said Brajakishore should resign voluntarily as he has been reduced to a minority.

One of the Councillors (ward number 1), Tolen Tomba told The Sangai Express that he has not resigned from the ruling Front although he admitted that the four members have resigned from the Steering Committee of the Council.

If the wrongs in the Council are not corrected then he would stop supporting the ruling Front, he added.

The IMC employees are on cease work strike as the MAHUD Minister failed to release the promised amount of Rs 25 lakhs to meet their salary demands.

The total amount needed to pay the staff of the IMC in a month is Rs 23 lakhs.

Comment