New regime
So now the cost has been cleared for a new ministry. Okram Ibobi Singh, the president of the Manipur Congress Committee (I) will be the new chief minister. The secular Progressive Front (SPF) comprising the Congress Party, CPI, and Nationalist Congress Party has been invited by the governor Ved Marwah to form the next government. Since no party or front, other than the SPF had staked the claim, the ultimate choice of the governor is the SPF.
The BJP and Federal party of Manipur made desperate attempts to form a Front, but they failed to secure a majority. The strength of the four party submitted to the governor is 35.The list excluded the lone MNC member now in the ruling camp. Had not he tragic accident of Lok Sabha speaker happened the new ministry is to assume charge today.
Ibobi had already informed the governor that he intends to take oath of office and secrecy today afternoon. So far everything seems to be going smoothly. The flock remains intact. The common minimum program of the constituent parties has been announced. The only hitch seems to be the ministry.
All in the Front camp say that their effort is to install a ministry that is small in size, but effective and responsive.
We hope the efforts will yield results. But limiting the size of the ministry will be the first hurdle of a new regime. Ibobi said, "The exact size of the Ministry will be decided by the SPF jointly. "There is nothing wrong in that, but the question is- are the partners ready to sacrifice to bring stability.
Of course there is another question: How long will the SPF Ministry last? The answer is anybody's guess. Although BJP legislator leader and former Chief Minister RK Dorendro will be waiting for the opportune moment to strike, the trouble will begin within the front. Those who will be missing the bus will be the ones who will start rocking the boat. There is already grumbling within the Congress Legislature party, over the issue of election of the CLP leader.
Surely Th Devendra, who is competent enough to be leader of the CLP and the SPF, is not happy with the manner in which Ibobi was made the "unanimous" choice. The trouble will start brewing after the swearing in ceremony. Ibobi cannot provide the berths to all the 35 members. On top of this distribution of portfolio is another tough job.
He cannot afford to raise the heckles of the front partners at the moment. The front is also saying the defection will not be encouraged. But this will be easier said that done. Elections do not usually bring political stability in Manipur But that depends on our elected representatives both in ruling and Opposition.
(Courtesy: The Sangai Express)
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