rediff.com: Manipur trust vote on May 21: PTI


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Manipur trust vote on May 21

The Radhabinod Koijam Ministry in Manipur Thursday said it would seek a vote of confidence in the assembly on May 21, even as 30 legislators of the ruling People's Front and four others demanded the immediate resignation of the chief minister, saying they had lost confidence in him.

Koijam said the cabinet had recommended to Governor Ved Marwah, holding the vote on May 21.

Expressing confidence that he would win the trust vote, Koijam said the Bharatiya Janata Party was a disciplined party and hoped that its legislators would support him, especially after BJP National President Jana Krishnamurthy had given an assurance that his Samata Party-led People's Front ministry would not be disturbed.

In a joint letter, 25 of 26 BJP legislators and five from the Manipur State Congress Party, said Koijam had 'violated all agenda of governance' set out at the time of formation of the front and urged him to resign for paving the way for a change of leadership within.

Higher Education Minister H Bhuban Singh was the only BJP member who did not sign the letter.

Four MLAs, two from the Federal Party of Manipur and two from the Nationalist Congress Party, who had earlier withdrawn support to the PF, also signed the joint letter, as also six ministers axed for alleged links with militants.

The letter, however, did not say that the MLAs were withdrawing support to the PF. It only demanded the resignation of the chief minister for paving the way for change of leadership for 'upholding the best traditions of democracy.'

"Rising militant activities, deteriorating law and order, financial mismanagement and rampant corruption in the government has plunged Manipur into a very sorry state," the letter said.

It said there was 'not only complete lack of transparency', but also 'absolute authoritianism' in the style of functioning of Koijam, which had 'alienated' the people of Manipur.

"Because of failure on all fronts we have lost confidence in your leadership," the MLAs said.

The strength of the ruling front is: BJP 26, Samata Party 13, Manipur People's Party one, Janata Dal (Secular) one, MSCP 12 and an independent member.

Opposition members in the house are Congress 1, FPM 3 and NCP 2.

Speaker Sapam Dhananjoy was elected on an MSCP ticket.

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Manipur Governor asks CM to seek trust vote

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