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Editorials >> March 27

Ministry for Ministers  

Now the picture has become crystal clear. The five party coalition Government headed by Okram Ibobi Singh of the Congress (I) is now going to be a Government of the Ministers, by the Ministers and for the Ministers. The secular progressive Front comprises four parties - Congress (I), Manipur State Congress party (MSCP), CPI and National Congress Party (NCP). The lone Manipur National Conference legislator is extending support from outside to Ibobi, whose climb to the top post was made easier by the debacle of "old tiger" Rishang Keishing. 

The total strength of the coalition is 36 in a 60 member House. And Ibobi raised the strength of the Council of Ministers to 33 in the second expansion, excluding the Speaker TN Haokip. Now only two legislators are left in the ruling side without any post. The plan was to give all Ministerial berths or equivalent rank. Had K. Ranjit, who resigned as the Deputy Chief Minister turned up to take oath of office and secrecy during the second expansion only one member would have been left out. This too is to be made chairman of the Hill Area Committee.

So everything was planned in such a manner that all become Ministers or occupy similar posts. The explanation given by the Chief Minister and Front Steering immediately after the second expansion that the aspirations (pressures) of the Front partners would have to be given due consideration was only expected. They did not say that the jumbo size Ministry is essential for efficient functioning of the new Government or its administration. They talked things like "buying stability," fulfilling "wishes" of the ruling members, parties and each community etc. Where is the consideration of the interest of the State and its people? 

As a matter of fact nothing was said about the problem being faced by the State and the faltering economy. It is now more than apparent that the Ministry was formed to make all the ruling members Ministers. Earlier talks like making a small size Ministry have turned out to be bullshit. The CPI too has demonstrated that it is not different either. The party elected five MLAs. Now three of them become Cabinet Ministers while two of them Minister of State. Is it not CPI that said the size of Ministry should not be bigger than one third?

Front Common Minimum Program clearly mentions efficient management of the State finance, resources and expenditure. But the Ministry size goes exactly against this. Can we now expect anything from this Government? But the question now is: Will this Government of the Ministers, by the Ministers for the Ministers be stable? It needs to be pointed out that even if they all are made Ministers, certainly Ranjit is not happy. He is aspiring for a Cabinet berth. But Ibobi's problem does not end there. He is yet to distribute the portfolios. The Governor Ved Marwah, who does not favor the size of the Ministry, wished the team good luck. This column too wishes Ibobi and Co. good luck.

(Courtesy: The Sangai Express)