IMPHAL, March 14: Despite Okram Ibobi being sworn in today as Chief Minister, trouble still persists with regard to ministerial berths and hectic lobby is underway.
Informed sources said, the reason for the Chief Minister swearing in alone reflects the undercurrents of the pressure mounted on the CM for ministerial berths.
According to sources, the CM was supposed to leave Imphal for New Delhi tomorrow. But, he had to preponed the New Delhi visit as Gaikhangam refused to to be sworn in after Th Debendra and Phungzathang Tonsing. Earlier reports said, CM Okram Ibobi would be sworn in alongwith Gaikhangam, Th Debendra and Phungzathang Tonsing. But, it was postponed after Debendra and Phungzathang remained steadfast against Gaikhangam becoming the 2nd man in the Cabinet.
Meanwhile, the Kuki Inpi Manipur in a memorandum to AICC has opposed the induction of Gaikhangam as Deputy CM citing ‘Naga Appeasement Policy’ and proposed Phunzathang Tonsing’s name for the deputy Chief Minister. On the other hand, five Congress MLAs from Churachandpur district out of six have objected to Phunzathang Tonsing’s inclusion in the new Cabinet.