'MSCP still active as RO accepts nomination file of its candidate'

Imphal, September 29, 2014: Even as Manipur State Congress Party (MSCP) was merged with Indian National Congress (INC) following five MLAs of MSCP who contested and won in the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly joining the INC, the concerned Returning Officer of Hiyanglam By-election has given approval to the candidature of Thokchom Laiba as an MSCP candidate for contesting in the ensuing by-election scheduled to be held on October 17, thus recognizing the MSCP as an active political party in the State by the Election Commission of India (ECI).

The approval was given by the RO during the scrutiny held today in connection with the ensuing by-election.

With the ECI still recognizing the MSCP as an active party, fate of the five MLAs of the party who joined the INC now lies in uncertainty.

The five MLAs are RK Imo, MLA Sagolband A/C; P Brojen, MLA Wangjing Tentha A/C; Karam Thamarjit, MLA Keirao A/C; Janghemlung Panmei, MLA Tamenglong (ST) and Nemcha Kipgen, MLA Kangpokpi (ST).

Notably, president of MSCP, Adim Panmei had filed a petition to Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly pleading disqualification of the five MLAs.

Next hearing of the petition will be held on November 5.

Speaking to media persons following the major political development, Adim Panmei said that MSCP is an influential political party which has been working tirelessly for development of the State and asserted that with the ECI still recognizing the MSCP as an active political party, it has now proved that the joining of the five MLAs in the Congress party for their own interests amounts to unconstitutional and indiscipline act.

Exuding confidence that the five MLAs would face disqualification for trying to erase the MSCP by merging with INC, he appealed to the electorates of Hiyanglam to vote for Th Laiba in the election and give a chance to the party to serve the people.

Source: Hueiyen News Service