Polls Hope (November 19)

The decision taken by the Union Cabinet to extend the President's Rule in Manipur for another period of six months must have surprised political parties in Manipur, if not shocked. The Cabinet decision was taken apparently on the basis of a recommendation by the Governor Ved Marwah, who reported that the ground situation in Manipur was not conducive to holding Assembly elections in the State. 

When the NDA Government sought the approval of the Parliament to the imposition of Central Rule for six months, the Union Home Minister LK Advani assured that elections would be held to install a popular Ministry in Manipur as soon as possible. This assurance given by one other than the Home Minister himself had led to the belief that it would be a brief spell of President's Rule. 

The belief was strengthened when the Election Commission has directed the State authorities to complete revision of electoral rolls by January. Even there was a time when the governor expressed his desire to hold the elections at an early date. It was expected that the polls to constitute the 9th Manipur Assembly would be held sometime in February or March. Even leaders of the national parties had strong belief that polls are round the corner and they had even sent leaders to Manipur to get their respective parties prepared for the "upcoming polls."

As a matter of fact all the parties in Manipur underwent a battle gear. The federal Party of Manipur underwent a complete overhaul with its president Prof. Gangmumei Kamei stepping down and making way for Dr L Chandramani who had broken away from the MSCP. Nineteen ex-MLAS joined Chandramani. Dr Nimaichand Luwang ditched long time ally Radhabinod Koijam and joined the MPP. He was among the first political big wigs to change party affiliation. 

Former Chief Minister W. Nipamacha floated the Manipur People's Conference after the EC ruled that Th.Chaoba is the legitimate president of the MSCP. The Democratic People's Party formed with Khaidem Mani as the president had also made its stand clear that it would be contesting the forthcoming elections. The Congress which had been pushed to back burner after its vertical split in 1997 appeared poised for a strong come back as people had obviously lost confidence in the regional parties and in the BJP and Samata Party. 

The CPI and JD (S) had tentatively stated that a common front would be formed to fight the congress and the NDA partners. Radhabinod Koijam had expressed the apprehension that early election would lead to more confusion. He had advocated better understanding between the hill and plain people before going ahead with the polls. 

By postponing the election the BJP wants to regain its lost ground in Manipur. Radhabinod himself told George Fernandes that NDA constituents in Manipur have become "untouchables." If the election is held now all the NDA constituents including BJP will bite dust.

(Courtesy: The Sangai Express)

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