Most welcome Bhalla saab

Free Thinker *

Ajay Kumar Bhalla sworn in as 17th Governor of Manipur on January 03 2025 :: Pix - The People's Chronicle

Everyone in Manipur wants peace and normalcy. There may be few exceptions here and there for their political reasons or ideological convenience.

But the majority of the people both in the Hills as well as in the valley desperately want restoration of law and order and redeeming their normal life. It is common sense that normalcy will return only when there is effective disarmament, constructive security-driven rehabilitation and continuous dialogues for co-existence. Can we do it?

Ajay Bhalla ji was sworn-in as the 19th Governor of the State of Manipur on 3rd Jan 2025. Just before him we had Uikey ji and Lakshman ji. I strongly believe that the people of Manipur have high hopes from our new Governor Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, former Union Home Secretary of the Government of India.

He is not merely a political appointee to the gubernatorial post. His long stint and experience in the North Block will certainly help the State to bring about positive changes and in finding an amicable settlement. Key word is 'baat-chit'.

The Manipur Chief Minister is happy that an experienced person in the field of law and order has arrived. He said that "he is a dynamic person who knows the ground reality and the situation of the State very well. He is a very committed person. I wholeheartedly welcome him. With his appointment as the governor of the State, I believe that normalcy and peace will be restored at the earliest".

Frankly speaking, the role of a governor is very limited. Of course he can guide the State government and give proper advice - but, how to run the government and maintain law and order is the primary function of the State government.

We cannot expect a miracle from the governor; but we may look forward to a proactive role as a benevolent guide in running the affairs of the state. He can’t be the de jure administrator of the State but he can be the de facto guide for the incumbent state government if the situation demands. The State government may seek his advice every now and then on every crucial issue.

As per Article 160 of the Constitution the President has the power to appoint someone to act as the Governor of a state when the Governor is unable to perform his/her duties or is absent. This provision is part of Part VI of the Constitution and is important for ensuring that the state administration runs smoothly and welfare of the people is protected.

Such a person has some contingency power within the Constitutional scheme of things. However Bhalla Saab is not that kind of person because he has been appointed by the President as the actual governor. This is no ad hoc appointment. It is purely a permanent appointment.

Bhalla Saab , when he was the Union Home Secretary he might have encountered almost all the useful and useless leaders of the State. He was in charge of 'Home' for quite long. During his tenure in the North Block he had dealt with Covid-19, J&K, Article 370, CAA, Permanent-Naga-talks etc. In fact he continued as Union Home Secretary till August, 2024. That means he must be aware of the Manipur crisis from the very beginning.

He knows who is who and what is going on? He might have met almost all the stakeholders. If not spoken to them directly he might be dealing with them indirectly. In all important meetings on Manipur he might have been present. I believe he knows more than any one of us - because he has been listening to both sides. At the same time he must be having parleys with the Nagas too.

Bhalla Saab is a Punjabi from Ludhiana, studied in Punjab, Delhi and Australia. Punjabi by nature is good and liberal -in terms of dressing, eating, drinking, thinking etc. Actually they have a big heart and are broad-minded. Since he was born on the Constitution adoption day (26 Nov), he is constitutionally bound.

His swearing in ceremony was well attended by many leaders and dignitaries including HC judges, Ministers, MLAs, prominent State functionaries. I saw both Dr Ranjans. Some sycophants and talebearers were also present.

However Kuki-Zo leaders including their Ministers and MLAs were not present perhaps because of commutation problems and security reasons. Once they start coming to Imphal others will follow (but initially enough security step-up is required).

Five years experience as Home Secretary at the Centre is no joke. He might have worked with hard-task-masters like Dobhal Saab, who remains agile forever. Somebody told me that nobody knows about his movements. The Manipur situation could have been dealt with firmly in the beginning itself but somehow it continued, bringing untold miseries, very unfortunate.

Bhalla Saab didn't say a word to the media. But he might have started thinking about a pragmatic strategy to deal with the present tricky situation. All said and done, hopefully all the stakeholders (political and non-political) including the security agencies, police and even the Army will listen to him. Seemingly the Governor is now in the helm of affairs under the direct nose of HM.

Mind you, His Excellency is not 'bhola'.