Congress dissidents want a change in leadership

Imphal, Nov 25 (UNI) The Congress MLAs, who are currently in New Delhi, are continuing their political campaign to seek the ouster of Okram Ibobi Singh.

Congress President Gaikhangam and other 14 Congress MLAs were demanding a change in the leadership for his alleged failure in maintaining law and order and treating the affairs of the state as his 'personal fiefdom'.

Congress leaders said the dissidents have so far met Congress President Sonia Gandhi twice and discussed the issue. The dissidents also discussed the matter with Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil yesterday.

Y.Surchandra, spokesman of the rebel Congress MLAs, had already stated that they would continue lobbying till they were successful in removing Ibobi Singh. Interestingly, Y.Surchandra hails from Thoubal district the home district of the Chief Minister.

The Congress party has 31 MLAs in the 60 member House.

Congress sources said the central leaders wanted a leader acceptable to both the groups so that the internal differences could be amicably resolved. The dissidents have proposed the name of senior leader Th Devendra from Jiribam Assembly constituency.

Rishang Keishing, MP the longest serving Chief Minister of Manipur has also favoured a change in the leadership.

UNI