Cong high command asks Rymbai to resign

Taking everyone by surprise, the Congress high command on Monday asked J D Rymbai to step down from the Chief Minister8217;s chair, making way for D D Lapang. The decision was communicated to Rymbai through AICC general secretary Oscar Fernandes and secretary Ved Prakash.

Fernandes and Prakash drove straight to Rymbai8217;s residence from the helipad on Monday morning. Addressing the media Rymbai said, 8220;It was a courtesy call, but they asked me to step down.8221; Looking wobbly at the sudden turn of political events, Rymbai told Fernandes and Prakash that since his resignation was not a personal decision, he will have to discuss it with his supporters within the party.

Rymbai will be meeting his supporters late on Monday night and decide whether to abide by the party high command8217;s decision. However, he didn8217;t get any written communication in this regard. The beleaguered Chief Minister said he would ask for a written communication from Congress President Sonia Gandhi.

Ved Prakash said, 8220;I will not be able to give any details in this regard. According to sources, if Rymbai refuses to step down, Oscar and Ved Prakash would make public the result of the voting and force him to resign. 8220;It is to save Rymbai the embarrassment, that he is being asked to step down,8221; said former minister and Lapang loyalist Sayedullah Nongrum.