Okram Ibobi heads for Delhi to meet Congress leadership

Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh left for New Delhi Thursday to consult Congress president Sonia Gandhi and other party leaders on the formation of the next government in the state.

State party unit chief Gaikhangam accompanied the chief minister.

The election of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader by the party chief would pave way for the formation of the next government in the state.

A meeting of the CLP had already arrived at a consensus that Gandhi would take the final call on the CLP leader, and members have agreed to accept the choice.

Party sources, however, informed that there are three front runners for the top post this time – Ibobi Singh, Gaikhangam and senior party leader Y. Erabot. However, Ibobi Singh is likely to be the choice considering his credentials, the sources said.

Sources further informed that the chief minister had already tendered his resignation to Governor Gurbachan Jagat. The governor accepted the resignation but asked him to continue in the charge till formation of the new government.

The term of the outgoing Manipur assembly will expire on March 15 and it is expected that an official order regarding the formation of the next government will be issued before March 12.