IMPHAL, March 28 � The Election Commission of India (ECI) has withdrawn recognition of Manipur People�s Party (MPP), one of the oldest regional political party in the Northeastern region, as a State party.
ECI has passed an order in connection with de-recognition of MPP on March 20 and the same has been conveyed to the Chief Electoral Officer, Manipur, sources said.
Recognition of MPP was withdrawn as the party did not fulfil conditions required for continued recognition during the 2009 Lok Sabha elections and the 2012 Manipur Assembly elections.
MPP with bicycle as its symbol was elected to power in 1978 and formed the government with Md Alimuddin as first Muslim Chief Minister of the State. Later in 1990 too, the party again ruled the State with RK Ranbir as its Chief Minister and imposed the historic Manipur Prohibition Act in 1991.
According to MPP sources, the party was set up on December 26, 1968.
There were times when MPP accounted for 18/19 MLAs. At other times, only a single MLA was elected on MPP ticket, according to former MPP MLA O Joy, who held the post of MPP president for a long time.
�This is usual ups and downs of a political party and it is not a matter to be overly worried about�, he said and opined that the present situation of the party has been brought about by people who joined MPP from time to time only to desert it at the time of election.
Significantly, the MPP does not have a single MLA in the present Assembly.
Yaoshang fest: Manipur began to celebrate the five day Yaoshang or Holi festival since Wednesday by burning traditional Yaoshang, a hut made of straws in the Hindu-inhabited areas in the State. Torching of Yaoshang signifies the beginning of the festival.
Festive mood filled the air as Manipur�s valley districts observed Yaoshang festival.
On the second day of the festival today, youngsters armed with water guns and balloons filled with coloured water sprayed each other as well as passerbys. Older people visited the Shree Shree Gobindajee temple.
Governor Gurbachan Jagat, in his message said, �Celebrated at the onset of spring, Yaoshang, the festival of colours symbolises the rejuvenation of the spirit of life. It is marked by gaiety, enthusiasm and spiritualism and exhorts us to forget our differences and strengthen the bond of humanity.�
�On this occasion, let us resolve to work for a better and peaceful Manipur where every community has a space and respect. Let us all celebrate the festival in its true spirit�, he added.
Chief Minister O Ibobi, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam and others also greeted the people on the occasion of Yaoshang.
With the beginning of the festival, there is hardly any village or locality where Yaoshang festival is observed without any sporting event. With changing times, Yaoshang sports has become an inseparable part of the festival.
