Lamka, March 10 2009: Power Minister Phungzathang Tonsing today consulted his loyalists on the prospect of contesting the Lok Sabha polls if AICC still insist on his candidature and claimed that he has no choice but to oblige with the party's high command appeal.

However he said he has nothing to lose or to gain for contesting in the Outer Lok Sabha Constituency.

"I am not prepared physically or mentally to face the poll, but if my party insists I have to be prepared," he told reporters on the sidelines of the consultation with his supporters.

When queried specifically on what he thinks about the AICC's decision, Phung-zathang who is one of the senior most politicians in the SPF Cabinet said, "the AICC has made their decision.

It's just that they are still to officially announce the name".

Referring to the Congress party inviting applications for the Outer Manipur Lok Sabha seat, the Congress high command according to the Minister, has sidelined all eight applicants and handpicked him to contest the polls.

Though he refused to directly admit that he was reluctant to accept the offer, it was amply clear that there were reservations on his part as he is still hesitant to accept the AICC's offer.

Addressing his loyalists today the Minister said that the party's high command had assured him of a Union Cabinet berth if elected as an MP.

The Peoples' Democratic Front has decided to field sitting MP Mani Charenamei from the Outer seat.

When asked about his opinion on this Phungzathang said, 'there is still the question of sidelining me'.

Talking on the topic of State subjects Phungzathang said "law and order is theirs and MPs can only recommend and suggest to the State Government'.

Apparently Phungzathang is reluctant to say adieu to State affairs.

He was promised, if his words were anything to go by, a Cabinet berth in case he was elected and the same treatment for his son Khanthang Tonsing in the State level, that too if he was re-elected from his father's constituency.

Despite the offer, Phungzathang seems to be very much aware of what is at stake, yet he could not go by his own judgment as party high command has planned otherwise.

His indecision even after consulting his confidants here today and his insistence to abide by the high command's order despite the fact that he was unprepared mentally and physically speaks volume on the internal politics that has embroiled the party.

"I pitched for my Son, who I think is more capable than me.

The AICC offer even took me by surprise," he told the media.

"I even tried my bit to influence them that I have no chance of winning the seat, and if they still insist on my candidature, they should be prepared for a lost seat," he revealed.

Yet, again he sees chances of winning the seat when demanded for his assumption.

The AICC may have taken the decision to field Phungzathang but they are yet to formally announce his name.

It will just be a matter of time to confirm whether the Congress Party has indeed opted to hand pick a 'faithful man' and sideline eight other contenders vying for the party ticket.

Phungzathang has opted to be with his loyals here until the time the AICC formally announces the candidate for the Outer Manipur parliamentary constituency.

"I will be here till tomorrow, the day after, or until the party's nominee is announced," he said.

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