Two deputies for Ibobi Singh?

Despite challenges from within, Okram Ibobi Singh is likely to don the mantle of Manipur chief minister yet again — for the third time in a row.

“It’s true the party has been divided into two groups on the issue of chief ministership. But that problem has now been sorted out,” a source close to the All India Congress Committee told DNA.

“Ibobi has the support of 25 MLAs against Gaikhangam’s (Pradesh Congress chief) 15. And given the indications, Ibobi is most likely to become the CM  again,” the source said.

It added that the Congress was also weighing the option of two deputy CMs to please all sections. “Yes, there could be two deputy chief ministers,” the source said.

The Meiteis (Manipuris) are in majority in Manipur, followed by the Nagas and the Kukis. If the Congress works out the formula of two deputy CMs, one each will be from the Nagas and the Kukis.

The Congress swept Manipur this election grabbing 42 of the total 60 seats. But differences within the party cropped up soon after when Gaikhangam and party veteran Yumkham Erabot Singh came in the way of Ibobi contending for the top seat. They have been camping in Delhi for the last few days.