Task cut out for whoever heads the new Govt
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: March 14, 2022 -

REGARDLESS of clarifications and denial by the state president and vice president that there is no issue over the chief ministerial post, the toughest task for central leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would be taking a call on who should lead the elected legislators and how to reciprocate the gestures of support given by political parties to the new government headed by the BJP.

With more than enough numbers already in its kitty, the BJP would be eager to govern on its own but possibility of dissent over the choice of chief minister would spur whoever is in the race for the top post to bring on board more parties to secure their respective position.

For now, BJP's previous ally National People's Party (NPP) is out of the picture as had been repetitively stated by NEDA convener Himanta Biswa Sarma and top state leaders during and after the polls that the NPP wouldn't be part of the new government.

While the saffron party has given clear indication that a coalition government would be formed along with NEDA partner - Naga People's Front, it would be interesting whether or not the letter of support extended by the Janata Dal (United) would be entertained.

With the latter two formally announcing support to the BJP-led government in the state, those eyeing the CM's post would obviously try to impress upon party's central leaders to take both on board with the ultimate motive to neutralise any attempt to sabotage one's pursuit towards the CM's post.

As the JD (U), which fielded 38 candidates in the elections, has bagged six seats, and the NPF five against four seats it won in the 2017 polls, it is but natural for contenders, if any, of the CM's post to have these additional 11 legislators on their respective sides, especially in view of the leadership crisis that cropped up during the first term.

In-spite of national secretary of the JD (U), Mohammad Nisar conveying in a statement that in the interest of the people of Manipur, the party has decided to support the BJP in the formation of the government, it is obvious that state legislators of the NDA ally wouldn't be satisfied with simply extending support.

Rather, the six JD (U) legislators would want to be a part of the government for they are fully aware of the difference between simply warming the seat in the assembly and proactive involvement in governance.

Intention of the JD (U) backing the BJP-led government could be comprehended from the national secretary's appeal to the BJP to honour the mandate reposed on the party and fulfil the hopes and aspirations of the people of Manipur.

With the NPF too reportedly eyeing more cabinet berths than allotted in the previous term, whoever heads the new government would have to blend suaveness with political astuteness as was evident when mid-term removal of some NPP ministers caused irreparable damage to the relationship between the alliance partners.

Thus, it is inevitable that the leader should be a torch-bearer who could guide and lead the team to success.