92 years young Rishang yet to call it a day Parliament to fete veterans
Source: The Sangai Express / Ninglun Hanghal

New Delhi, May 12 2012: Rishang Keishing (92) Manipur's former Chief Minister and current member of Rajya Sabha and Resham Lal Jangade former MP from Bilaspur ( Chhattisgarh) will be feciliated by President Pratibha Patil to commemorate the 60th anniversary of India's Parliament on Sunday.

The two veteran politicians, Keishing a loyal Congress man and Resham from the BJP, both representing two troubled States, were the first members of the Lok Shabha 1952 � 57 .

While Jangade has retired from active politics, Keishing is still actively engaged.

"I thank all the people who voted me, I am grateful for their trust in my leadership" he told The Sangai Express during an interaction here today.

On asked whether he is prepared for the next term he informed "After 2014, I will retire but will be engaged with politics and in the Congress party," he asserted.

After 60 years of active polices, a happy man, Keishing said that it is gratifying to know that people loved and appreciated him.

This he said is known in terms of his continuous stints both in the State and the Centre.

The veteran Rishang

To affirm his statement, Keishing recounted that he was called for a farewell party by Sonia Gandhi in 2008 only to be informed of his re-nomination.

Recollecting his earlier years, Keishing remembered fondly his association with Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi.

"Manipur has seen several good CMs" he said mentioning his predecessor and successor CMs of Manipur.

In a lighter vein the indefatigable leader said, "Once Radhabinod took away all the Congressmen away from me.

All the 59 were on the ruling bench leaving me alone on the Opposition" he laughed.

"But I made it through," he added.

On how his views on the current situation in the State the veteran politician replied " there is too much of instability" .

Though the former Chief Minister dismissed some of the uncharitable comments passed against Manipur (Failed State etc), Keishing said, "The Council of Ministers in the current Government is not well represented, there is no Minister from places like Ukhrul and Chandel or any one from the eastern part of the State" he said and added "How can integrity be protected in such a situation ? " he questioned.

As a parting shot, the veteran leader said "Let us all live together in peace and harmony for the good of the people and the State" .