| Leaders vs. numbers
The result of the 8th assembly election in Manipur has thrown up a rather interesting picture. With no single party placed to form the next Government on its own steam or rather strength and a number of political heavy weights biting the dust, the equation is now wide open.
The congress is now the single largest party but following the shock defeat of Rishang Keishing from Phungyar AC, burdened by the seeming lack of a capable leader who can pull the party through the topsy turvey world of striking up alliances and forging post poll pact.
The same case has also stricken the FPM, which is the second largest party. With its president Dr. Chandramani and Vice-President Prof Gangmumei Kamei tasting defeat, FPM does not have an acceptable face that can lead the coalition Government. This is where the interesting point comes into play.
The BJP, which has so far won only 4 seats and appear unlikely add another on to its kitty is already beginning to toy with the idea of forming the next Government! The trump card of the BJP is the presence of RK Dorendra who is seen by a number of Loyalist as the only political heavy heavy weight who can lead the next Government. Moreover BJP is banking on its ace- the NDA Government at New Delhi, which is led by the BJP.
The Picture then is clear. It is a case of a party the maximum number of members in house versus another having a leader who is seen as 'the natural choice' to head the next coalition Government but without the number. How BJP goes about cobbling up the magic figure of 31 and how the Congress comes up with a leader who is both acceptable and capable will be interesting to watch.
In such a scenario the roles of the smaller parties come into prominence. While the Congress, BJP and the FPM are expected to slug it out and take center stage in Government formation, the important role of the other parties should not be discounted. It is important for the MSCP, CPI, MPP, NCP, SAD, DPP and others to realize that they cannot escape the responsibility of ensuring a stable Government and of course in keeping the size of the Ministry under check.
Condition to extend support to either of the parties in contention should not be dictated merely by the lure of ministerial kursis and to get a hand on the spoils of power. There are certainly many pressing matters that need to be addressed on a priority basis and addressing these issues should not be only at the time of election and poll campaign but when the elected candidates become members of the Assembly and form part of the decision making body.
As Manipur is heading towards a hung. Assembly it is now the responsibility of all the sixty MLAs and their political parties to ensure stability. the people have delivered their verdict and the ball is now in the court of the sixty MLA's and it is their responsibility to ensure that the fiasco of the 7th Assembly is not repeated.
(Courtesy: The Sangai Express)
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