Rishang preaches against party hopping
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 14 2012: Veteran MP and former Chief Minister Rishang Keishing has called upon all Congressmen to understand the possible impacts of hopping from party to another .

If one is a Congress man, one should be forbearing, he stated.

93 year Rajya Sabha MP Rishang Keishing was showered warm regards and honour at a felicitation function held at Congress Bhavan today.

The MP was also showered with gifts by Chief Minister O Ibobi, MPCC president Gaikhangam, Speaker Th Lokeshore, Lok Sabha MP Thangso Baite, Ministers, MLAs and many leaders of Congress party.

A booklet published by MPCC and entitled 'A Sketch Biography of Veteran Politician Rishang Keishing' was also released at the function.

For today's reception function, MPCC constituted a special reception committee with MPCC vicepresident S Achouba as its chairman.

Speaking at the occasion, Rishang Keishing claimed that being a member of the Congress party is a matter of pride.

Veteran Rishang Keishing being felicitated at Congress Bhavan

Congress party is one political party for which many eminent leaders sacrificed their own interests before the common interests of the party.

Appealing to the gathering not to leave the Congress party, Rishang Keishing cautioned hopping from one party to another would pose a serious challenge to the incumbent Government.

To ward off such challenges, the Government should work with a clear understanding and vision.

Recalling about the time, when he was left all alone as Congress MLA, Rishang asserted that one need to be forbearing and committed if he should remain a Congress man.

Pointing out that it was the people who voted Congress party to power, the veteran politician called upon all the Congress MLAs to serve the public sincerely rather than working for their own interests.

"There is no point in dragging our feet.

There is no time for waiting.

If we must do something for Manipur, let's us start it now", Rishang stated.

O Ibobi remarked that presence of Rishang Keishing as a Congress MP is a blessing for the party.

Rishang Keishing is a man who sees no difference between religions and he has already overcome all the trials and tribulations in his long political career.

Commitment and forbearance as preached by the veteran MP is one valuable lesson that every Congress men should always keep in mind, Ibobi stated.

Conviction, moral support and leadership shown by Rishang Keishing when he was Deputy Chief Minister during the turbulent days of Meitei-Pangal clash were exemplary.

The Chief Minister also sought continuous guidance of the veteran politician.

Gaikhangam also prayed for good health and long life on behalf of Rishang Keishing.

Notably, Rishang Keishing was already honoured by the Vice-President of India, Rajya Sabha Chairman and Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee during golden jubilee celebration of the India Parliament in 2002 .

He was again felicitated by the President, Vice-President, Rajya Sabha Chairman, Lok Sabha Speaker and the Prime Minister on May 13 this year on the occasion of 60 years of Indian Parliament.