Setback for allies seeking BJP's compassion
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: March 25, 2022 -

THE outright declaration by chief minister N Biren that only the Naga People's Front (NPF) will be its partner in governance would definitely be a rude shock for all the other political parties which have extended unconditional support to the new government.

Having crossed the magic figure on its own in the election to 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly, it is but natural for the BJP to take the call on whether any allies should be brought on board or to helm the affairs sans support from any other parties.

Since early stages of the campaigning for the assembly elections, leaders of the saffron party had been contending that heading the coalition government in the first term was a challenging task and that given the chance it would rather choose to operate on its own.

Having tided over a critical phase midway into the first term when the National People's Party (NPP) walked away and tried to form a new government with the opposition Congress, it was certain that BJP would be most eager to avert repetition of the same situation and to showcase to the people that apart from outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the NPP factor impeded development of the state.

The run-up to the election too made it clear that BJP and NPP had drifted apart irreconcilably.

As such, it is understandable that the BJP leaderships have perceived it wise to ditch the NPP, which is a NEDA ally and played a crucial role in the formation of the previous government, and opted for the NPF.

While choosing NPF seems to be a strategic move for the BJP to demonstrate that it is focussed towards promoting hill-valley camaraderie and reduce any instances of social discord, it is unlikely that the Conrad Sangma-led NPP would be satisfied with simply supporting the BJP and watching from the fence.

It could be comprehended from the NPP, like JD-U, KPA and three independent MLAs, declaring unconditional support to the new government that if invited they too would want a bigger role in governance.

However, if the government faces no threat to its existence in the coming months or years, then it is unimaginable that the BJP would entertain either the NPP or any other parties and individual legislators for keeping its large number of non-minister MLAs in good mood would be the top priority.

As it is obvious that some BJP MLAs elected multiple times to the assembly would want ministerial assignments, chief minister N Biren would be under pressure to allocate ministerial portfolios to party's legislators before considering the sentiment or aspiration of the allies.

That the BJP is looking forward to accommodate more of its MLAs in the council of ministers has also been made clear by N Biren when he declared on Wednesday that only the NPF would be part of the new coalition government.

While possibility of dissent among the left-out BJP MLAs cannot be ruled out, JD-U and NPP legislators would be hoping that their respective national leaders would lobby with the BJP central leaderships to reciprocate their support in the most appropriate manner and uphold the principle and spirit of coalition.