IMPHAL, Jan 27: The absence of the State Governor, Dr. K.K.Paul at the Republic Day parade in Imphal and sparse attendance at the show apart, a lot of dignitaries also missed out the At Home party at the Raj Bhawan in the afternoon of the same day. The GAD or the Deputy Commissioner`s Office however termed it as Reception. The party was hosted by the Hon`ble Chief Minister of Manipur O.Ibobi Singh and his better half, O.Landhoni Devi at Raj Bhavan, Imphal.
There were a lot of important absentees. To start with O.Landhoni Devi herself did not turn up. Perhaps social obligations took precedence over constitutional niceties for the day was marked with numerous weddings across the State. But more important was the fact that the Army brass of the 57th Mountain Division and the BSF and CRPF top brass which are normally seen when the Governor was hosting the At Homes were conspicuous by their absence. Only the Inspector General of the Assam Rifles was seen around.
However there were more prominent and politically important personalities who did not showed up. The list can start with Education Minister Moirangthem Okendro, followed by Govindas Konthoujam Industries Minister and Phunzathang Tonsing Health Minister. The face of the youth in Ibobi`s government Md.Abdul Nasir Agricultural Minister was also not there and so was the lone lady in the Council of Ministers Kum.AK Mirabai Devi.
The Hon`ble Speaker Shri Th.Lokeshwor Singh was also an important absentee both in the morning parade as well as at the Reception. in the afternoon. Ninglun Victor of the NPF and the Deputy Speaker Preshaw Shimray were to be seen.
None of the known dissident MLAs saved for Kshetrimayum Biren were also present. These includes Y.Surchandra ,N.Biren and K.Ranjit.