Date:24/04/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/04/24/stories/2003042403001200.htm

National

No deputy CM, says Ibobi

By A Correspondent

IMPHAL APRIL 23. Despite a major reshuffle on Monday, the Secular People's Front Ministry in Manipur headed by Okram Ibobi was rudely jolted by some resignations as portfolios for the new Ministers could not be announced next day. The Chairman of the Hill Area Committee, Sonchhinkhup, and the Deputy Speaker, M. Lala, submitted their resignations since they were ignored in the reshuffle. Both have been demanding Cabinet berths.

The former Deputy Speaker, K. Ranjit, was in office just for one day. The Chairman and the Deputy Speaker told The Hindu that Mr. Ibobi had been assuring them that they would be inducted into the Ministry.

Mr. Ibobi and his close associates went to the Speaker, T.N. Haokip's chamber in a vain bid to persuade the two to withdraw their resignations with a promise that some non-performing Ministers would be dropped and they would be inducted.

Senior Cabinet Ministers and the major coalition partner, the CPI, are demanding the post of Deputy Chief Minister. Soon after the Ministers were sworn in on Monday, Mr. Ibobi told reporters that there would be no Deputy Chief Minister.