The announcement was made by AICC general secretary in charge of Manipur, Luijinho Faleiro today at Manipur Congress Bhawan located at BT Road during a press meet which was also attended by Ibobi, Gaikhangam, T Mangibabu, Victor Keishing and Thoudam Debendra Singh.
Speaking at the conference, Faleiro said the decision to institute Ibobi Singh as the CLP leader was made by Sonia Gandhi as the state unit had place the responsibility to decide the leadership before her earlier.
“There was no level playing field, names were given and warned”, he said before adding that despite the difficulties faced by the party before the election, the public has supported the party.
He further said that some states of the Northeast are still witnessing internal strife which has prevented development.
“We need a massive peace movement to create an atmosphere for fostering further development to fulfill the aspirations of the people”.
He said that the underground organizations should come to the negotiating table with their conditions for talks with the government.
Further during the meet, Okram Ibobi who will be sworn in for the third consecutive time said that his third term will be a big challenge. “Peoples’ expectation is so high and our capability is so limited”.
He stated that his third term will focus on improvement of connectivity, power, providing safe drinking water and what has been mandated in the Congress manifesto.
Replying to queries, he further stated that the selection of the cabinet minister for his government is also under consultation with the Congress high command.
Gaikhangam, president of MPCC who earlier gave up a ministerial berth in the last SPF led government also voiced content on Ibobi Singh’s selection as the CLP leader. He mentioned that whatever the central leader’s decision is, it is final and binding for the party.
The formation of the government will be formally carried out at Raj Bhawan in the afternoon tomorrow.
To swear in the Chief Minister and the new cabinet ministers, the Governor has appointed Laishram Nandakumar Singh, one of the senior most MLA elected in the 10th Assembly Elections as the Protem speaker today.
The Governor has also appointed Okram Ibobi Singh, leader of the INC legislature party in the Tenth Manipur Legislative Assembly to be the new Chief Minister and requested him to submit the names of his new council of ministers.
Meanwhile, reliable sources said that the induction of the cabinet ministers scheduled tomorrow will only witness conferring of portfolios to four MLAs only. The ministers likely to be sworn in include Gaikhangam, Th Debendra and Phunzathang Tonsing aside from Okram Ibobi Singh. Following hectic lobby for ministerial berths, the CLP will announce its remaining eight candidates in a second swearing in ceremony after March 15 only.