Intriguing and delicate are the ways politicians maneuver their moves to reign at the very top of governance in the State. Starting off with only 20 elected members the Indian National Congress can today flaunt itself with the magic number of 31 MLAs. Tentatively poised to form the Government as the single largest party Congress began canvassing and hectic parleys were conducted with other like minded parties that ultimately succeeded in enrolling MSCP, CPI and NCP to their ranks.
With no hard and fast rules applicable in politics, and showered with abundant intelligence in scheming things to their liking, the number of the O Ibobi led Secular Progressive Front swelled to a comfortable 35 initially after three elected MLAs of NCP joined the Government and later to 36 with the inclusion of the lone elected member belonging to registered but yet to be recognized - by Election Commission of India - Manipur National Congress.
Each time the number rose in favor of the ruling front it automatically had an adverse effect on the Opposition coalition Democratic People's Alliance. The never ending story of political sojourn displayed SPF strength rose to an awesome 41 MLAs including the two unattached members of MSCP. Congress of course gained the most from the race garnering 31 MLAs powering it to form the Government alone, if need arises in the unpredictable situation.
While the Congress gained, MSCP which began their innings with seven MLAs are today virtually on the verge of extinction. With five of the elected members splitting from the parent party and merging with the Congress, two were declared as unattached members of the House after suspension from the party on charges of anti-party activities. The comfort of O Ibobi at the threshold of power at present may also witness some drastic change of fortune if things of the past are taken into account.
The Samata Party led coalition Government of Radhabinod Koijam, with only one MLA in the opposition bench, succumbed to its own pressure and internal conflict not mentioning the invisible hand of some seasoned politician to topple the Government in the power game. The vertical split in the Government saw the number of coalition partner BJP shoot up to 22/23 MLAs in no time.
Similar was the fate of the preceding Government of Wahengbam Nipamacha whose MLAs vanished into thin air only to be seen siding with Radhabinod before the eventual fall. Taking all this into account the aspiration of opposition DPA to wrest power cannot be described as over ambitious.
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