Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 12:
Though the ruling SPF has decided not to field any candidate for the post of the Chairman of the Hill Areas Committee, the Opposition parties are set to slug it out for the said post as there was no consensual choice.
Subsequently, two candidates from the Opposition bench are set to take a shot at the post of the HAC Chairman.
Today was the last date for filing the nomination papers for the said post and the two in contention are Chingai AC MLA Dr Khashim Ruivah (UNC sponsored candidate) and Thangminlien Kipgen of the NPP elected from Kangpokpi AC.
Kipgen filed two nomination papers and his name was proposed by NPP president V Hangkhanlian and RJD MLA Ngursanglur.
Haokholet Kipgen seconded the two nomination papers.
The nomination paper of Dr Ruivah was proposed by Awangbou Newmai and seconded by K Raina.
In a late evening development, Awangbow Newmai in a statement claimed that Dr Ruivah has agreed to withdraw his candidature in favour of Thangminlien Kipgen following appeals from the NPP.
Election to the post of the HAC Chairman will be held tomorrow at 11 am at the Committee room of the Hill Areas Committee in the Assembly Secretariat.
The election process will be presided by T Manga Vaiphei, a member of the HAC.
The SPF had earlier projected Thangkholun Haokip as its candidate for the post but decided to withdraw from the race at the last minute as it was becoming clear that with only 7 MLAs from the hills in its kitty, its candidate would be defeated.
The HAC Chairman is elected by the MLAs from the hill districts.
According to a source, since there is no deadline for withdrawing the nomination papers, either Dr Ruivah or Kipgen may withdraw when the vote is about to be decided through a Division vote.
If none withdraws, then it would be for the first time that an election will be held for the post of the HAC Chairman.
The SPF with 7 MLAs from the hill districts is likely to extend its support to the NPP candidate, Thangminlien Kipgen.
Opposition leader Radhabinod Koijam said though the Opposition has not been able to pick a consensus choice, the fact that the HAC Chairman post will go to the Opposition is a good sign.