MPCC demands ministerial berth
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May17 2009: Buoyed by the its commendable achievement in winning both the Lok Sabha seats besides already having an MP in the Rajya Sabha, the MPCC has written to AICC president Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to allot a berth of Union Cabinet Minister to one of the three Congress MPs from Manipur.

Speaking at a felicitation function organised in honour of Dr T Meinya and Thangso Baite at Congress Bhavan today, veteran Congress leader Rishang Keishing remarked that victory of Congress candidates in both the Lok Sabha seats was an invaluable gift from the people to the State Government.

Stating that the party has now three MPs in the Parliament, Rishang called upon the elected MPs to work sincerely for the welfare of the people in coordination with the State Government.

The two Congress MPs elected in the 15th Lok Sabha elections at the felicitation function

The felicitation function was also attended by MPCC president Gaikhangam, Chief Minister O Ibobi, Speaker Dr S Budhichandra, CLP leaders and party workers.

The victorious candidates were garlanded and felicitated with gifts.

The historic achievement of the Congress party in winning both the Lok Sabha seats for the first time was a clear demonstration of people's faith in the secular outlook of Congress.

Noting that the Congress party needs to work sincerely with dedication not to lose people's confidence, Rishang Keishing called upon the party leaders and workers not to be complacent and forget their responsibilities while celebrating the victory.

MPCC president Gaikhangam noted that the people's mandate given to the two Congress candidates was a reflection of people's desire for unity, integrity and peace.

He appealed to the three party MPs to shoulder greater responsibility in facilitating effective coordination between the State Government and the upcoming Congress Government at the Centre so that the State can make greater strides towards development.

Chief Minister cautioned that the party's fate in the next elections would be unpredictable if the party cannot deliver what the people desire.

If the numerous schemes, projects and missions launched by the UPA Government for poorer sections of the society are implemented in time with dedication, a positive change can be expected before long.

It would do a great deal to the people of Manipur if the MPs press for the development projects proposed by the State Government which have not been approved by the Centre, Ibobi confided.

Conceding that he was wrong in his pre-poll claim that the Congress candidates would win both the seats at margins of 50,000 to 100,000 votes as the predicted margin could not be reached in one of the seats, Ibobi lauded the party workers who went ahead against all odds and threats.

He also conveyed gratitude to all the people who voted for Congress.

The victory of Congress candidates over rival candidates with huge margins testified that the people could not be cowed down by violence and treats and that they did not have faith in political parties without distinct principles, asserted Minister Phungzathang Tonsing.

Newly elected MPs, Dr T Meinya and Thangso, conveyed their gratitude to the people of Manipur for electing them.

They pledged that they would put in their efforts to solve the outstanding issues of the State including law and order besides working in close cooperation with the State Government to usher in development in Manipur.

After the meeting, the two MPs left for New Delhi.