Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur and Pradesh Congress president Gaikhangam Gangmei disclosed to reporters on Monday that the party high command is looking into the issue of merging Manipur State Congress Party (MSCP) with Congress. There have been reports to the effect that MSCP is approaching Congress for the merger ahead of the Lok sabha elections.
Mr. Gangmei refused either to confirm or deny the report of this move. He said that an application for the merger of a party with Congress shall be examined and approved or disapproved by the party high command, and all that Pradesh Congress in Manipur could do was to abide by the directives of the high command.
He evaded specific questions by saying that it will be premature to say whether MSCP has approached the party for merger or not. He added that it is the high command which should take a decision on the issue.
MSCP was virtually formed by politicians with Congress connections. It had also led a coalition ministry in the State. In the 2012 elections, it had secured 5 seats in the 60-member Assembly. Though it will be a political gain for the two Congress candidates if the merger happens, there are silent objections from the rank and file.
It is understood that MSCP may demand some ministerial berths for its MLAs as a price for the support it will extend to the Congress candidates. There will be chaotic situation within the party if MSCP MLAs are inducted in the ministry after the elections by sidelining some prominent Congress MLAs who have been clamouring for ministerial berths.
Besides, Congress leaders in Manipur feel that the party will win both the seats even without unsolicited support from MSCP at this belated hour.
