IMPHAL, October 21: Altogether 12 candidates have filed applications seeking Congress tickets for the upcoming 2014 Lok Sabha election as the period for filing application came to an end this evening.
Those seeking Congress tickets for the 2014 Lok Sabha election included several high profile individuals including sitting MP from inner constituency, Dr Thokchom Meinya, sitting MP from Outer constituency Thangso Baite, former state Education minister DD Thaisii and Vungngaihlun alias Lulun Tonsing daughter of present state Health minister Phungzathang Tonsing.
For the inner assembly constituency, four candidates filed their applications including sitting MP Dr Thokchom Meiyna, K Saratchandra, L Tilotama vice chairman-Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan, Mairenbam Bishorjit.
On the other hand, eight candidates have filed applications for the outer constituency including sitting MP Thangso Baite, ex-minister DD Thaisii, Jangampung Pamei, JL Sawmi, Langkhanpao Guite ADC chairman Churachandpur, Vungngaihlun alias Lulun Tonsing, Ngachonmi Chamroi and Wilubou Newmai.
Informing the development to media persons at his office chamber, MPCC president Gaikhangam, a meeting of the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee election committee was convened this evening at the Congress Bhawan.
Over 20 selection committee members including Rajya Sabha MP and veteran politician-Rishang Keishing, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh attended the meeting which was presided by president, Gaikhangam.
After a deliberate discussion, the meet resolved to hand over the matter to the Chief Minister who will subsequently apprise All India Congress Committee on the issue.
The notification inviting candidates was circulated on September 18 and concluded this evening at around 3.
Meanwhile, Gaikhangam reacting to a statement of the Kuki Inpi Saikul Gamkai (KISG) and Saikul Area Naga People’s Organisation (SANPO), which had reportedly alleged him of snubbing the groups.
It may be recalled that the KISG and SANPO had alleged that Gaikhangam, despite inviting representatives of the two groups for talks on their demands had walked away leaving them high and dry.
Clarifying on the matter, Gaikhangam disclosed that he met the representatives of the two groups in the presence of MLA Jamthong Haokip, on September 12 morning.
There, he requested the groups not to proceed with its proposed bandh assuring to find amicable solution after his return from Delhi, he claimed.
Gaikhangam had left Imphal on September 13 morning and remained stationed at Delhi till October 17.
Lamenting on the ‘misleading’ statement of the two groups, Gaikhangam termed the report as unfortunate.
He asserted that the Government is well aware of the people’s grievances and always ready to work in the interest of the people.
It is pertinent to note that the KISG and SANPO were demanding the withdrawal of the Home department notification on June 14, 2011 and revocation of inclusion of Saikul sub-division under Imphal East and Thoubal district police stations, inclusion of Maphou Dam police station and under construction Purul Likli under jurisdiction of Senapati district police and not to disturb the tranquillity of the district in the name of law and order.