AICC considers state MPs not worthy for the Union Ministry
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: July 14 2011 -

The hugely expected reshuffle in the Union Ministry has come and gone. Manipur drew a blank. The last time Manipur was represented in the Union Council of Ministry was from 1999 to 2000 when Th Chaoba was State Union Minister looking after different portfolios within a very short time.

We have at present three MPs that represent the state in the Parliament. All three are Congress MPs. Why is it that all three were sidelined from figuring in the newly constituted Council of Ministers.

Of the three we may safely leave aside the case of Rishang Keishing, Rajya Sabha MP. He is an octogenarian and considering him as a serious contender might not have elicited much support. Particularly so, when AICC General Secretary, Rahul Gandhi has been advocating for a youthful leadership for the country.

But what about Lok Sabha MPs Thangso Baite and Th Meinya ? To cut a long story short, they did not fit the bill; they could not impress the central leaders of the government and the party that they should be rewarded for their fierce loyalty which can only be described as 'canine'.

If only wishes were horses. The truth however is that they were back benchers who considered being present in Parliament was in itself a supreme effort to boost the image of their party.

Back in the state, the general population feels hugely let down, and the brewing discontent is based on the idea that the Government of India insistently continues to give a step-motherly treatment to the state. Public dissatisfaction is real and large.

We wish to take this opportunity of asking the MPs why did they not make any proactive effort to utilize their MP funds to initiate any programmes which would have caught the attention of the national media ?

These could have covered water treatment plants, solar lighting, micro financing, establishment of education related buildings, like building libraries, refurbishing of schools etc ?

If they had done so, and had invited Union Ministers to witness their efforts, it could well have been a totally different ball game. But why did they expect ministerial berths as birthrights or as manna ?

That the people have been dismayed by the lack of representation of Manipur in the Union Council of Ministers is an absolute fact. One only hopes that our MPs do not ride on this public resentment and seek representation in the Union Ministry.

First of all it will tantamount to flogging a dead horse, and worse still further expose the shortcomings of the MPs.

It is now too late to cry over spilt milk, or to beat our breasts in dissatisfaction, or feel morose, there is always time to change for the better unless you feel you have already reached the limits of your knowledge.

Please remember even Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi changed his life style in his thirties.