CLP leader to be elected today

Imphal, Feb 28 (UNI) The Congress in Manipur, which won 30 seats, one short of obtaining absolute majority in the 60-member House, will elect its legislature party leader today.

A grand reception was held at the Congress Bhawan here to felicitate the newly elected party MLAs.

The Communist Party of India, a partner of the Secular Progressive Front, won four seats. Thus the Front, which ran the government for five years, was set to form the government again.

State Congress President Gaikhangam said the party and the CPI had decided to go for a friendly contest and added the election of the new leader would be a smooth process.

He said the chances of Mr Ibobi getting selected as the new leader was high.

Mr Ibobi, who created a record by becoming the first chief minister in Manipur to complete a full five year term, won from Khangabok and Thoubal constituencies.

Though the NCP and RJD had not yet announced their decisions, they were expected to support the government as both are part of the UPA government in the Centre.

Manipur People's Party President L Chandramani, RJD President W Nipamcha and Speaker Maniruddin Sheikh of Congress were defeated.

Former Union Minister Th Chaoba of MPP also lost at Nambol.

Political heavyweight Radhabinod Koijam was elected from Thangmeiband defeating Congress rival Jyotin Waikhom.

Nationalist People Party state president V Hangkhanlian defeated his nearest rival Zabiaksang of BJP.

The BJP, which had four seats in the eighth Assembly, drew a blank this time.

UNI