Congmen determined to keep Chaoba at bay

Imphal, May 02: A determined effort is underway inside the Congress Party to bolt the door upon the possible entry of Lok Sabha MP Th Chaoba into the party. Apparently agitated over the possible return of Chaoba, disgruntled party workers have launched a swift signature campaign to ruin his homecoming. The detractors are hopeful that considering his past records of promoting dissidence he will not be allowed another stint in the party. Chaoba is reportedly lobbying with the Congress high command including party chief, Sonia Gandhi and Mani Shankar Aiyer for his comeback along with some ministers. Although the news of his re-entry has become more than mere hearsay, both party spokesmen have preferred to maintain tight lips. Th Debrabarta of the MSCP has demanded the truth of the report maintaining that he is not aware of any division in the party. As a matter of fact, he claimed, the party is staging a big convention soon with the objective of strengthening its organization. MPCC spokesman Th Gunadhwaja has also claimed his ignorance maintaining that no official record is available. However, the internal party activities and version of other party stalwarts from both sides offer a totally different story. A Congress leader has confirmed the reports adding that process for the induction of four MSCP ministers into the party has already gotten underway and others are likely to follow suit. However, he added that the process is still in its rudimentary stage noting that it is still unofficial. At the same time, a prominent MSCP leader has also disclosed the possibility of a major change of loyalty in favor of the Congress Party asserting that a chunk of the party is preparing to cross over to the Congress. External pressure is cited as one of the factors for the changeover, MSCP sources said. He said many party leaders are closely in touch with the Congress high command in New Delhi in anticipation of quick approval of their entry. A split is imminent if Rishang Keishing takes over as Congress president, he added. However, the anti-Chaoba camp is determined to block his entry asserting that his arrival will he against party interest.