Imphal, March 10: The race for the chief minister’s post gained momentum in Manipur today with Okram Ibobi Singh rushing to Delhi to join his contenders who are already camping there.

This is Ibobi Singh’s first visit to the capital after the Congress won a landslide victory to return to power for the third consecutive term. He could not make it earlier as he was said to be unwell.

Manipur PCC president Gaikhangam and Yumkham Erabot Singh, both contending for the top post, are already camping in Delhi.

The Congress Legislature Party met on March 7 evening and resolved in the presence of AICC observers Luizinho Faleiro and Himanta Biswa Sarma to let the party high command name their leader.

“We are waiting for the party high command’s decision and cannot say when it will be taken. We hope it happens soon,” Gaikhangam told The Telegraph over phone from Delhi.

Sources in the Congress said AICC president Sonia Gandhi was likely to meet Ibobi Singh, Gaikhangam and Erabot Singh before taking a decision and was reportedly waiting for Ibobi Singh.

“I cannot say whether we will be called in together or separately. But we are expecting that she will discuss things with us before taking a decision,” Gaikhangam said.

He, however, said there would be no problem in choosing the leader. “Since we have entrusted the task to the party high command, all of us will accept its decision,” he added.

Sonia is also expected to discuss who should be inducted in the ministry.

Power minister Phungzathang Tonsing, who retained Churachandpur seat, and newly elected legislator from Patsoi constituency, Akoijam Mirabai Devi, also left for Delhi today.

Mirabai Devi, who is well known among AICC leaders in Delhi, is expected to lobby for a ministerial berth.

With the re-election of Ibobi Singh’s wife Landhoni Devi, the Congress now has two women MLAs.

Sources in the party said the swearing-in was likely to take place on Monday.