Cong won’t replace Manipur CM

While keeping the option of imposing President’s Rule in Manipur open, the Congress today ruled out the possibility of a change of leadership in the state.

‘‘Our first priority is to restore normalcy in the state and we believe that a change of leadership will not help at this stage,’’ party’s Manipur in-charge Ramesh Chennithala said. ‘‘We have no intention to mix party affairs with the current situation in the state. If there is any internal matter of the party which requires attention, we will deal with it separately.’’

“He (Ibobi) is incidentally set to distribute portfolios among his ministers today. He had been busy trying to cope with the agitation and had not found time since downsizing of the ministry to re-allot portfolios,’’ he added.