Ensure stability
Three of the four contenders for the post of Chief Ministership are all former Congressmen. The fourth is Rishang Keishing and perhaps, he is the most loyal Congressman. When Radhabinod Koijam led away Congress legislators to the Opposition camp in his desperate attempt to occupy the top post Rishang Keishing was the lone Congress MLA, who refused to ditch the party.
And today, this veteran Congress leader is one of the strong contenders for the post. When the Congress was left with only one MLA (indeed Rishang Keishang was the only Opposition member in the House when Radhabinod Koijam Ministry was foisted after the fall of Nipamacha regime), Congress was considered a goner. But today the party has consolidated its position considerably and is trying to stage a comeback.
Rishang Keishing is not talking much, while Congress turned-MSCP-turned-FPM leader Dr. L. Chandramani Singh has the confidence that he would become the next Chief Minister. The Federal Party of Manipur with a new look is expected to do well. The BJP, which secured six seats in the last election, was one of the targets of public ire during the last year's uprising.
Since then much water has flowed. Samata Party's Radhabinod Koijam too is making frantic efforts to be one of the major players. Thounaojam Chaoba's MSCP should not be dismissed altogether. Given the existing scenario it is very difficult to predict shape of things to come after the February 14 and 21 polling.
But one can safely predict that it will be a fractured verdict and smaller parties will play a major role in the coalition Government that will come up in the next few weeks. Today Rishang Keishing, RK Dorendro Singh, Dr. L Chandramani and Radhabinod Koijam are at daggers drawn, but nothing is final in politics.
The Samata and the BJP may be partners in the NDA Government at the Center; in Manipur the two are sworn enemies. Radhabinod called the BJP "betrayers" after his Ministry was pulled down by his partners paving the way for the imposition of President's Rule. But who knows the two may become 'friends' again. The FPM may have been lambasting the Congress during the
electioneering. One should not be surprised if the two also come together. But it is unlikely that the Congress will join hands with the BJP. Since not a single party is going to win the absolute majority, a coalition Government is a foregone conclusion.
What is important is that the partners should strive hard to make the coalition work. Coalition partners also should not try to rock the boat for the sake of lucrative and plumb portfolios. Instability has ruined the State in all fronts. Bigger parties should also never indulge in engineering splits in smaller parties. Right sizing the Ministry should be the first step towards reviving the economy. If the candidates are not liars, after election they should not indulge in party hopping and work for " a new Manipur "Stability is the need of the hour.
(Courtesy: The Sangai Express) |
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