Congress Foundation Day Celebrations
CM, Gaikhangam turn up, no Debendro:
Imphal, Dec 28: The 122nd Foundation Day of the Indian National Congress was observed on Friday by the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee, in the absence of several MLAs including some senior ministers, a reflection of the unresolved crisis in the Congress over the demand for replacement of Okram Ibobi Singh as chief minister.
However, Okram Ibobi, and MPCC chief Gaikhangam, whom many observers see as the mastermind behind the rebellion in the Congress, were both present, sitting next to each other in all appearance of bonhomie.
The pair shook hands before the gathering and were seen chatting amicably.
Prominent absentees on the other hand included senior minister Th Debendro, tribal welfare minister DD Thaisii, and most of the other rebel MLAs. FCS minister Y Erabot was however present.
The chief minister, in his address to the assembled party workers, said it was natural to have disagreements in a large family like the Congress, but at the same time expressed his strong opinion against criticism of party leaders and ministers through the media without first raising such issues in the party fora.
Ibobi observed enigmatically that in a large family, no parents can always satisfy every want of all family members. However whenever there are problems, these have to be examined and solutions have to be found for them. If we have done wrong, we should also have the guts to say sorry, the chief minister said.
Ibobi exhorted the Congressmen never to betray the faith reposed by the people in the party, and follow in the footsteps of the past great leaders of the Congress in order to make their dreams come true.
Observing that it was due to the people`s faith that the Congress was returned to power in the Assembly election, he stressed that this should not be lost.
Ibobi noted that the people`s desires are complex, and cautioned against turning the people against the party.
Ibobi also spoke of the priorities of the state government, among which he listed restoration of law and order, streamlining of finances and proper utilisation of funds provided by the Centre.
Among others, he noted that the health sector was a problem area. Ibobi lamented the nearly universal indulgence in private practice by government doctors. He also stated that doctors who refused to go to postings in the hill areas, would be penalised.
MPCC president Gaikhangam, did not comment much on the internal crisis in the Congress, stating only that, ‘Congress party manungda khatnaba natte, khannabani’ (There`s no fighting in the Congress, only debates). On the other hand, he chose to lambast other parties which have made criticism on the situation in the Congress, asking them to clean their own houses first.
Gaikhangam too urged party workers to live up to the faith reposed on the party by the public. The party bears a heavy burden in this respect, Gaikhangam said, comparing serving the people to riding a tiger. All`s well as long as the people have faith in the party, but if anything goes wrong, it will be like being eaten alive, he said, and urged the party workers to perform their duties with sincerity.
Minister Phungzathang Tonsing, TN Haokip, L Jayentakumar, N Loken, N Biren, and loyalist MLAs were also present at the gathering.
Source: The Imphal Free Press
Another Story:
Imphal, Dec 28: The 122nd Foundation Day of the Indian National Congress was observed on Friday by the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee, in the absence of several MLAs including some senior ministers, a reflection of the unresolved crisis in the Congress over the demand for replacement of Okram Ibobi Singh as chief minister.
However, Okram Ibobi, and MPCC chief Gaikhangam, whom many observers see as the mastermind behind the rebellion in the Congress, were both present, sitting next to each other in all appearance of bonhomie.
The pair shook hands before the gathering and were seen chatting amicably.
Prominent absentees on the other hand included senior minister Th Debendro, tribal welfare minister DD Thaisii, and most of the other rebel MLAs. FCS minister Y Erabot was however present.
The chief minister, in his address to the assembled party workers, said it was natural to have disagreements in a large family like the Congress, but at the same time expressed his strong opinion against criticism of party leaders and ministers through the media without first raising such issues in the party fora.
Ibobi observed enigmatically that in a large family, no parents can always satisfy every want of all family members. However whenever there are problems, these have to be examined and solutions have to be found for them. If we have done wrong, we should also have the guts to say sorry, the chief minister said.
Ibobi exhorted the Congressmen never to betray the faith reposed by the people in the party, and follow in the footsteps of the past great leaders of the Congress in order to make their dreams come true.
Observing that it was due to the people`s faith that the Congress was returned to power in the Assembly election, he stressed that this should not be lost.
Ibobi noted that the people`s desires are complex, and cautioned against turning the people against the party.
Ibobi also spoke of the priorities of the state government, among which he listed restoration of law and order, streamlining of finances and proper utilisation of funds provided by the Centre.
Among others, he noted that the health sector was a problem area. Ibobi lamented the nearly universal indulgence in private practice by government doctors. He also stated that doctors who refused to go to postings in the hill areas, would be penalised.
MPCC president Gaikhangam, did not comment much on the internal crisis in the Congress, stating only that, ‘Congress party manungda khatnaba natte, khannabani’ (There`s no fighting in the Congress, only debates). On the other hand, he chose to lambast other parties which have made criticism on the situation in the Congress, asking them to clean their own houses first.
Gaikhangam too urged party workers to live up to the faith reposed on the party by the public. The party bears a heavy burden in this respect, Gaikhangam said, comparing serving the people to riding a tiger. All`s well as long as the people have faith in the party, but if anything goes wrong, it will be like being eaten alive, he said, and urged the party workers to perform their duties with sincerity.
Minister Phungzathang Tonsing, TN Haokip, L Jayentakumar, N Loken, N Biren, and loyalist MLAs were also present at the gathering.
Source: The Imphal Free Press
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