BJP legislators under public lens
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: February 25, 2025 -

THOUGH medical condition of some MLAs and unavoidable circumstances for others have been cited for deferment of the proposed meeting of BJP state legislators on Monday, the fact remains that whoever takes over the charge as the state's chief minister and fills in the shoes of N Biren Singh would find it extremely difficult, if not totally impossible, to bring the 10 Kuki rebel MLAs to the negotiating table for finding a solution to the on-going Manipur crisis, which is also the primary reason for Biren calling it quits amid consistent criticisms from both his party colleagues and Kuki civil bodies.

Even if the meeting was aimed at discussing prevailing political situation in the state in the wake of resignation of chief minister N Biren and subsequent imposition of President's Rule, it is obvious that the real purpose for congregation of the party's legislators at the private residence of Patsoi MLA Sapam Kunjakeswor (Keba) was to arrive at a consensus on N Biren's successor, as he had actually relinquished the hot seat due to the apprehension that some BJ P MLAs would crossvote in case the opposition Congress tabled the no confidence motion against the BJP-led coalition government.

As per the meeting notice signed by conveners - MLAs Kh Ibomcha of Lamlai AC and K Robindro of Mayang Imphal, deliberation on the prevailing political instability triggered by resignation of chief minister N Biren on February 9 would be the main agenda but it is likely that the growing public pressure on the BJP MLAs representing the valley assembly constituencies to shed their differences and address the political uncertainty compelled convening of the meeting, which sadly did not materialised, probably due to lack of consensus among the MLAs.

Moreover, the meeting planned due to indifference by BJP state president A Sharda to their earlier proposal for a threadbare discussion on the growing public demand for revocation of the President's Rule and reinstatement of a popular government, underscores the BJP MLAs' fear of facing public wrath in case the political instability continues.

The BJP, despite having 32 MLAs on its own and enjoying unconditional support of five NPF legislators as well as same number of JD-U MLAs, unable to stake claim to form the government days after unseating N Biren smacks of lacking unity, primarily due to multiple senior MLAs eyeing the top job.

However, whoever intends to occupy the hot seat must remember that during the five years under the leadership of N Biren, the people were relieved from the dark days of martial laws and Manipur was on the verge of accelerating towards a more prosperous future before the Kuki-Meetei clash of May 3, 2023 put the state into reverse gear marked by a vicious cycle of sufferings and pain.

The CM-aspirant must also acknowledge that ever since Manipur merged with the Indian union no decision could be made without the nod from New Delhi, thereby implying that in-spite of his/her strong yearning to live up to the expectation of the people the central leaders will have the final say on important issues.

Moreover, with Kuki MLAs and civil organisations declaring that no Meetei chief minister would be acceptable, whoever plotted the exit of N Biren must be regretting over consensus continuing to elude party legislators and feeling highly insecure that the public might finally identify who actually is/ are responsible for bringing President's Rule in the state.