Nipamcha steps down, RB to be sworn in today

IMPHAL, February 13: An end to the nearly three-month-old constitutional crisis in Manipur appeared to be in sight with the Chief Minister Nipamacha Singh stepping down today in favour of Samata Party leader Radhabinod Koijam under a new combine, United Democratic Alliance (UDA) which claimed that Koijam would be sworn in tomorrow. In what would have been termed as far-fetched speculation till yesterday, Chief Minister W Nipamacha tendered his resignation fro the Chief Ministership paving the way for State Samata Party leader Radhabinod Koijam to take the coveted post, as political maneuvering intensified in the state. The Chief Minister will remain as the caretaker Chief Minister till a new government is formed. Radhabinod Koijam has at the same time staked claim to form the next government to the Governor Ved Prakash Marwah today, after being elected the leader of the newly formed United Democratic Alliance with the Samata Party joining the Ruling United Front Alliance this morning. The Governor has accepted the resignation of Wahengbam Nipamacha from the post of Chief Ministership but at the same time asked him to continue in the office till alternative arrangements are made, a Governor's secretariat communiqu? issued late tonight said. The communiqu? said that the Governor has assured the delegation led by the Samata Party chief Radhabinod Koijam, deputy Chief Minister, L Chandramani, FPP leader Gangumei Kamei and Samata Party national general secretary Sambhu Srivastava that he would consider their claim, and take an early decision. The Chief Minister during a press conference held at his official bungalow announced that the newly formed UDA has 29 MLAs, almost two third strength of the effective strength in the House. The house had originally 60 members but one was vacated following the death of former Samata Party president Basantakumar Wangkhem recently. The Samata Party leader Radhabinod Koijam, who defected from the Congress recently to join the Samata Party along with nine others, declared during the press conference tonight that the Speaker, S Dhananjoy is on his way out as the UDA commands almost a two-third majority, indicating that a no-confidence motion will be moved against him. The Chief Minister also announced that the deputy Chief Minister, L Chandramani has been appointed the deputy leader of the new front. A coordinating committee of the constituents has been formed to formulate a common minimum programme, Nipamacha said. The present strength of the United Democratic Alliance, UDA, Manipur State Congress Party (Nipamacha group)-22, Samata Party-12, Federal Party of Manipur-4, Independent-1. The House is scheduled to reassemble tomorrow (February 14) with the Speaker yesterday intimating the Governor that he has summoned the house in compliance to his directive. Political pundits feel that the Chief Minister W Nipamacha will be appointed the Speaker once the Radhabinod Koijam-led government is formed. Meanwhile, an MSCP statement today termed the Chief Minister W Nipamacha's decision to step down from the Chief Ministership as a patriotic and selfless sacrifice for the motherland. It said, W Nipamacha stepped down from the coveted post to prevent abuse of democracy and imposition of President's rule in the state. The statement further said that the Chief Minister's action is a lesson to the infringers of democracy and selfish persons.