Relations between Congress and CPI strained  

Imphal, May 23 . Reports of a split between the Congress and Communist Party of India (CPI), partners of the ruling Secular Progressive Front (SPF) in Manipur, are doing the rounds as leaders of both parties have started speaking against each other, especially after the recent Lok Sabha elections.

The two parties have been jointly ruling the state for seven years. The coalition remained intact even when the Left parties withdrew support to the UPA government at the Centre last year.

The Congress now commands absolute majority with 31 members in the 60-member House and does not need help of the CPI. The RJD, with three members, is also supporting the Congress-led government.

Besides, there are ten Independent MLAs, most of whom are supporting the Ibobi-led government.

The CPI has four members. Ph Parijat of the CPI, however, continues to serve as a Cabinet minister in the Congress-led government and is on good terms with Congress leaders.

The Congress and CPI have not openly come out on the matter.

However, some Congress members reportedly want the relations between the two parties to be snapped.

Most of the Congress leaders are now camping in New Delhi. A political discussion for effective administration in Manipur was held yesterday in the Chief Minister's Office chamber at Manipur Bhavan, New Delhi, presided over by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh. The meeting was attended by the two newly-elected Lok Sabha members - Dr Thokchom Meinya and Thangso Baite, Rajya Sabha member Rishang Keishing, MPCC president Gaikhangam, Allauddin Khan, D D Thaisii, Cabinet ministers, Tongbram Mangibabu, Moirangthem Hemanta, Yengkhom Surchandra, Elangbam Dwijamani, Dr Kh Ratan and Lokeshwar, all MLAs. Francis Ngazokpa, Ngamthang Haokip, Z Mangaibou and Korungthang, former MLAs, also attended the meeting.

The Congress did not reveal the issues discussed. However, party sources said many Congress leaders were not happy with the CPI and want the chief minister to drop the CPI minister.

The Congress and CPI had fought bitterly in the run-up to the recently-concluded Lok Sabha elections in which the Congress candidate defeated the CPI candidate by a narrow margin in Inner Manipur. CPI candidate Dr M Nara charged the Congress of rigging the poll.