CM and New Government

Free Thinker *

Before I start flirting with the subject, let me confess that my prediction for a hung Assembly went horribly wrong on 10 March. BJP has crossed the magic figure - 31.

I spoke to Ma’am BJP President and confessed my miscalculation or rather my ignorance of the popularity of their Government. She happily said that they were expecting 40, but 32 is pretty good, it is absolute majority. No need to be so desperate for support from others. However, some compelling circumstances may occur because of Patna, Kohima or Shillong or Udashin Ashram.

It is now 33. One original BJP now Independent has extended support; informally he has returned to the Party despite the ticket holocaust.

Formal return of the party man to the Party is obstructed by Section 2 , clause (2) of the 10th Schedule , which says – “An elected member of a House who has been elected as such otherwise than as a candidate set up by any political party shall be disqualified for being a member of the House if he joins any political party after such election”.

I could not find the new version of the Anti-Defection Law. I don’t think the 2003 amendment did change the earlier position as far as Independent MLAs are concerned.

Blanket freedom for ‘Thabal –Chongba’ was announced . But Exams are round the corner; so let us restrain ourselves, let our boys and girls study. The drum beats of ‘Thabal’ actually disturb the heartbeats of our youngsters. Even if the winners want to organize a lot of ‘Thabals’ , let them do it after April when the exams are over.

Let the children read at least for a few days before writing their exams. Elections were indeed a jamboree everywhere – children's anxiety level shot up. They were not eligible for 3000/5000 as they were below 18. But they were obnoxiously inspired by their elderly beneficiaries.

We want a CM who is a native of Manipur – Naga, Kuki, Meitei, Pangan, anyone. So far we have not seen a Kuki-Chin CM. We have not seen a lady CM either. And we have also not seen any first timer to become the CM in the State. But experience and wisdom can’t be ignored simply.

If some MLAs come united and stay together, dine and play together till the observer comes and take their views for formation of the Government- what is wrong with that? Why is somebody so alarmed about it.

However, camping in other States is not good for our economy; I request all the Hon’ble MLAs to camp inside the State and spend whatever they want to spend. In the camp you are free to use your own protection.

Without using smart phones and Guns you are safe . Bombs are strictly prohibited. Some eatables and drinkables are allowed. Stay somewhere near Raj Bhawan and Party Office. Playing cards is the best pass time. Or watch beautiful movies. But never indulge in ‘faltu’ things which are injurious to health and prestige.

Normally the Governor invites the largest party to form the Government. Or the largest Party goes to Raj Bhawan with a request to form the government. Hopefully the largest party will form the Government. There are problems of plentiness.

If a serious request comes from NDA partners BJP leadership will have to oblige. Whether you need them or not you may be asked to keep and maintain them. It may be an expensive affair.

Suppose all the remaining MLAs also want to support the government – there will be no opposition. Democracy without opposition is worrisome. State politicians know each other – one fine day they can do that too. If it happens, this is going to be the first time in the history of State Assemblies in India that there is no one left in the opposition benches.

Fractured mandates are easy to manage in terms of forming and running governments. Once you get the majority you can’t bluff your own people or party men; it is easy to handle others and outsiders. I am told that normally the observers simply ask the name of the MLAs and tell each one to work hard for the Nation, State, Party and self (MLAs just do ‘ulta’).

Even if the Party has the required number it may be required to have a coalition understanding for the sake of stability. MLAs will start behaving in a strange manner when they are deprived of political posts. The Unpredictable factor of MLAs must be kept in mind.

George Bernard Shaw once said,'' Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve.” So, we are going to have a deserving government within a few days before Holi/Yaoshang. The latest news is that top brass is busy in Gujarat doing some important sessions. We have to wait for a few more days. Whoever may be the CM, please stick to one post, one Parivar.

Number does not always count; whether it is 18 versus 15, ultimately the High command shall decide. History may repeat or not , but Piyush ji is good at maths.