Finally, after nearly 37 years of sustained effort the BJP has been able to install its government in Manipur. The political house that Congress chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh built over 15 years of his uninterrupted rule has finally crumbled. And this despite his party securing 28 seats in the 60-member House ~ three short of the magic figure to form a government. This should be seen as reassuring evidence of the voters’ faith in Ibobi’s government. After failing to muster the required strength, Ibobi stepped down gracefully, in keeping with democratic traditions.
The BJP’s performance ~ 21 seats ~ was impressive, given the fact that in its previous essays it had drawn a blank. As a matter of fact, even before the election it became clear that smaller groups like the National People’s Party (it won four seats), Naga People’s Front (four), Lok Janshakti (one) and All India Trinamul Congress and Independent (one each), would be the king-makers. Barring the last two, others are either NDA members or supporters.
Politicians in Manipur have the incredible ability to switch allegiance or offer themselves to the highest bidder. They also have the weakness to be sucked by centripetal forces. Little wonder, the BJP’s first chief minister, N Biren Singh, was, until three months ago, a disgruntled Congress minister. Such turncoats were largely responsible for political instability in the past. That Manipur saw the funerals of as many as 18 ministries between 1972 and 1998, carries its own tale. The BJP ministry’s stability will depend on how dexterously it distributes largesse. Every MLA wants a ministerial post and a plum portfolio. The party has to redeem several electoral promises such as fast and steady development, lifting the nearly five-month-old economic blockade and banning frequent imposition of bandhs and strikes and, most importantly, its assurance to the Meiteis in the 3 August 2015 framework Naga peace accord that the Centre signed with the NSCN (IM) leadership, where there is no mention of Manipur, implying no dismemberment of the state’s territory to satisfy the Nagas. Last but not the least, will the BJP be able to lift the ban imposed by a top Meitei militant group in July 2000 on screening of Hindi films, playing of Hindi music and display of sign boards in Hindi? And how long will it keep silent on the Manipuris’ most-hated Armed Forces (Special powers) Act, in force since the end of 1979?