Intense post-poll political drama guaranteed
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: February 02, 2022 -

THE current trend of almost all the intending candidates wasting no time in announcing resignation from the parent parties to air angst over denial of ticket for the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly elections and promptly seeking patronage of other parties, including the bitter rivals, indicates strong possibility of political instability in case of a mixed mandate.

In-spite of imminent initiation of disqualification cases against the deserters if the elected legislators do not uphold the constitutional guidelines, a hung verdict will definitely bring to the fore the unreliable characteristics of politicians of Manipur for attempts to lure MLAs of party/ parties which couldn't reach the majority mark by the better-placed political entities would dominate the post-poll scenario.

As selective targeting of the gullible MLAs would mean risking disqualification, it is obvious that the party with the largest number of legislators, but short of the simple majority mark, would come up with scheme to either find post-poll allies or force merger to form the government.

That such a scenario is not presumptuous could also be comprehended from the National People's Party (NPP) national vice president and deputy chief minister Y Joykumar categorically remarking that the ruling BJP might throw its weight around to lure some MLAs, especially those who ditched the party but came out triumphant after contesting election on tickets of other parties.

With some among the intending candidates who were denied the BJP ticket having strong potential to win the polls, Joykumar's observation cannot be dismissed as speculative when one takes into account of the fact that Manipur's politicians lack political integrity.

Interestingly, Joykumar conceded that the NPP had been waiting for the BjP to announce its candidates before-coming out with its own second list of candidates.

Unlike the BJP which had a torrid time trying to select 60 nominees out of the many intending candidates, NPP as well as Janata Dai-United had the luxury to entertain entry of peeved BJP ticket seekers.

While there is remote chance of all the BJP rejects tasting success, NPP would be relishing the influx as presence of the BJP ticket seekers would enhance its firepower to berate at the leading alliance partner.

It's no secret that relations between NPP and BJP have been souring since around the second year of the coalition government with the partnership nearly ending after the former briefly supped with the opposition Congress to topple the government.

As such, both BJP and NPP would not only resort to mudslinging in the run-up to the election but also plot to sabotage government formation after the polls, which in turn will trigger poaching of MLAs.

If no party manages to reach the magic figure of 30-plus MLAs, then Manipur will witness the major parties tussling for power with the support of whichever party and individual legislators they could approach first.

In such a scenario, it could be safely stated that the people's representatives cutting across party lines will be enticed with the prospect of joining the government ratherthan upholding principles and objective of the party that they took refuge after disapproval for the ticket by his/her parent party.