Abdul Salam set to be next Rajya Sabha MP
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 27 2014: Former Minister Abdul Salam elected from Wabagai Assembly Constituency is all set to become the next Rajya Sabha MP of Manipur.

With Congress ticket given to Haji Abdul Salam, it is a matter of foregone conclusion that he would be elected as Rajya Sabha MP for sure for Congress enjoys an overwhelming majority in the State Assembly with 42 MLAs.

Abdul Salam would also earn the distinction of being the first Muslim MP from Manipur and first MP from Thoubal district as and when polling for election of a new Rajya Sabha MP is held.

Out of 20 aspiring candidates who applied for Congress ticket, AICC has announced that the party ticket has been given to Abdul Salam.

Abdul Salam was among seven persons whose names were announced yesterday by AICC as Congress candidates for Rajya Sabha MP elections of some States.

After AICC announced the name of Abdul Salam, a meeting of the Congress Legislature Party was held this morning and deliberated on the AICC's decision.

Later, the meeting unanimously agreed to back the candidature of Abdul Salam.

Meanwhile, Abdul Salam today submitted his nomination papers to Manipur Legislative Assembly Secretary Indira who has been already appointed Returning Officer of the Rajya Sabha MP election.

Notably, tomorrow is the last day for submission of nomination papers.

Till date, no other candidate has filed their nomination papers.

Chief Minister O Ibobi, MPCC president and Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, Health and Family Welfare Minister Phungzathang Tonsing and 12 MLAs (proposers) were present when Abdul Salam submitted his nomination paper at 2.50 pm today.

Speaking to media persons at the Assembly Secretariat after Abdul Salam has submitted his nomination paper, Chief Minister O Ibobi stated that Haji Abdul Salam is a genuine senior leader of the party who was elected to the State Assembly three times.

He has been working for the party since a long time back.

The list of aspiring candidates who applied for Congress ticket was sent to AICC in time.

During the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha elections of 2008 and 2009, MPCC recommended the name of Abdul Salam but AICC suggested the name of veteran politician Rishang Keishing.

Subsequently , MPCC fell in line with the AICC's suggestion, Ibobi stated.

This time AICC approved MPCC's recommendation made in favour of Abdul Salam, added the Chief Minister.

On the other hand, the Returning Officer has already issued due notification for the Rajya Sabha MP election.

In case, any other candidate files his or her nomination paper by tomorrow, polling would be held on February 7 and 60 members of the Manipur Legislative Assembly would vote.

A meeting of AICC presided by vice-president Rahul Gandhi on January 25 at Delhi selected the candidates who would be given party tickets for the Raja Sabha MP elections in some States.

Among others, the meeting was attended by AICC general secretary (organisation) Janardhan Dwivedi general secretary and Manipur in-charge Luzinho Faleiro and general secretary Oscar Fernandes.

It is reported that Rahul Gandhi is taking pivotal and decisive roles in the selection of Congress candidates not only for Rajya Sabha but also for Lok Sabha election.

Sources informed that AICC selected Abdul Salam after considering several factors.

Some key factors are Abdul Salam belonging to minority community and such area where one can vote in Lok Sabha election but cannot contest the same.

Those who applied for Congress tickets included former MP Wahengbam Angou, former MLAs/Ministers Bijoy Koijam, Janghemlung Panmei, Dr Maniruddin Sheikh, Khundrakpam Punilkanta, M Hemanta, RV Mingthing, Dr Kh Loken and sitting ML A L Nandakumar.

Abdul Salam completed Master degree in Political Science from Gauhati University.

He also holds LLB degree.

He joined electoral politics after quitting central service in 1979.He was first elected to Manipur Legislative Assembly as independent candidate and he later joined INC.

He was re-elected in 1995 and again in 2002 .

He also held the posts of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister, Cooperation Minister and MOBC Minister in different periods of time.

Before joining electoral politics, Abdul Salam worked in Education Department and the office of Accountant General for around 14 years.

Meanwhile, the Jamiat Ulama Manipur and the Muslim Social Workers' Union Manipur has hailed the decision of AICC.

A press release issued by the Jamiat Ulama Manipur said that Abdul Salam is the most qualified man among Muslim politicians of Manipur.

Saying that Abdul Salam is a man of integrity and dignity, it exuded that Abdul Salam can effectively raise all major issues of Manipur in the Parliament and with the Government of India.

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