Synonymous with the ACs they represented :: N Mangi : From CPI to BJP
- The Sangai Express Editorial :: February 08 2016 -
The names say it all. The late Heirok Ibotombi, the late Sekmai Chaoba, the State BJP president Utlou Chaoba and to a certain extent Kumbi Mangi.
These are all men who became synonymous with the Assembly Constituency they represented in the State Assembly and whether one subscribes to their style of politics or agreed with their political acumen, it stands true that to a large extent they took along the name of their respective Assembly Constituencies with their identities.
Not many have been able to do this and O Ibobi will remain O Ibobi and not Thoubal Ibobi or earlier Khangabok Ibobi, which he represented before shifting to Thoubal Assembly Constituency.
This despite the fact that O Ibobi has scripted some sort of a history by becoming not only the first man to complete a full term in office as the Chief Minister of the State but also in becoming the man to hold the post for the longest period of time, thereby eclipsing Rishang Keishing.
Closely intertwined with the Assembly Constituency they represented but what sets apart Ningthoujam Mangi from the others is perhaps his closely knit association with the Community Party of India.
Other than the late Pheiroijam Parijat of Lamlai Assembly Constituency, it was Mangi who for long held aloft the flag of the Communist party high in the State.
This will be history now, for as things have unfolded, the man from Kumbi AC has now decided to shift allegiance to the BJP.
Maybe riding the Modi wave, which seems to be sweeping across the country, but the fact remains that Mangi made his mark on the political map of Manipur as a loyal CPI man.
Still early to say how the change of allegiance will impact on the BJP, but to the CPI it is sure to be a big blow.
Here is a party where its members are not known to party hop like the others, the only exception being when its representative from Kakching AC changed side many years back.
Whether Mangi returns to the Assembly or not in the 2017 election, it stands that his entry to the BJP must have bolstered the spirit of the party manifold.
As it is, the CPI is on a sticky wicket at present, with none of its candidate getting elected in the 2012 Assembly election, and the change of allegiance of N Mangi will certainly go a long way in denting its prospect.
Take note it is more than a question of a man, however influential or popular he is, switching allegiance, but could go some way in determining the fate of the party which he left.
It is a political tragedy for the CPI and a fortune for the BJP, but it still remains to be seen how this will impact on the 2017 Assembly election.
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