MANIPUR CM, Cong president in Delhi to discuss reshuffle

Imphal, Apr 6 (UNI) Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and state Congress president Gaikhangam, who is also state Information minister, are now camping in New Delhi to discuss issues related to ''office of profit'' and possible reshuffle of the state ministry.

Party sources here today said the Chief Minister is likely to discuss the issue of ''office of profit'' with President APJ Abdul Kalam and other central leaders.

The opposition parties in the state have demanded the resignation of the Chief Minister and seven other Congress MLAs for holding ''offices of profit.'' Even the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which is supporting the government, has demanded resignation of all MLAs holding ''offices of profit'' and opposed any move to issue an ordinance to save them.

State Congress president Gaikhangam may also relinquish his ministerial berth following the one man one post principle, party sources added.

The chief minister had handed over the post of party president to Mr Gaikhangam earlier to follow the one-man-one-post principle.

Congress leaders here said a minor reshuffle was imminent and the former speaker T N Haokip who had resigned recently may also be inducted into the ministry.

Meanwhile, hectic lobbying was on to convince the chief minister to effect a major reshuffle.

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