Imphal, May 08: Politicians never retire seems to be the credo for former Chief Minister Radhabinod Koijam as he has begun flexing his muscles for the 2007 election, after taking a short break from active politics.

The former Chief Minister, who has seen many ups and downs in his long political career chose to disassociate himself from all political parties in 2003 to devote his time to social works.

It was on November 12, 2003 that Koijam wrote to then president of Samata Party, George Fernandes and convenor of the North East People's Front, Nagaland's CM Nephiu Rio conveying his resignation from the National Executive of Samata Party as well as from the post of general secretary of the Front.

When The Sangai Express contacted the man from Thangmeiband Assembly Constituency and inquired why he is now ready to throw his hat into the election ring after distancing himself from active politics for years, Koijam set the record straight and said that he never retired from politics.

"I only disassociated myself from political parties as I wanted to devote my time to social works for some time," he explained.

"This led people to believe that I had retired from politics," added the former Chief Minister.

Explaining his position, Koijam said, "Since I lost the 2001 election, I decided to take up social work as it is also a cause for the common good of the people.

As election is now not so far off, I have decided to turn my attention to the coming polls.

However I will also continue with my social work".

Asked which political party he will align himself with, Koijam said, "Since I am originally from the Congress, my heart still beats for the party.

However if I am denied a Congress ticket then I might align with a National party which is a partner of the Congress at Delhi".

On the burning issue of Meetei Mayek, the former Chief Minister said that it would be in the fitness of things for the Government to work out a solution and ensure the implementation of the indigenous script.

However burning down the State Central Library was not in the interest of the land, he observed.

On why he split from the Congress and joined the Samata Party in 2001 to form the Government, Koijam said that the move was necessary to stop the BJP from grabbing power.

The fruit of that move today is the Congress led Government, he added.

During his short break from active politics, Koijam was involved in promoting bamboo industry and he presented a number of papers in seminars to develop bamboo potential in the North East region.

The employment generation potential of bamboo plantation was stressed.

Koijam was first elected from the Thangmeiband Assembly Constituency as an Independent candidate and later joined the Congress.

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