Disturbing dissent within the BJP : Predictable turmoil of June ?
- The Sangai Express Editorial :: June 13 2019 -

Clear that some just don’t want the honeymoon with power to continue.

Now with Governor Dr Najma Heptulla reportedly highlighting the political unrest to Prime Minister Narendra Modi the issue cannot be just brushed aside with the wave of the hand.

Remove N Biren as the Chief Minister is central to the political unrest. Ironic it is, but the present unrest does not seem to involve anything that concerns the interests of the State and the people.

If the unrest had emerged from any issue that concerns the interest of the State and the people, then it would have been understandable and could have been made public.

Obvious that no one in the thick of the unrest wants words to get out and make it official for reasons which are best known only to themselves, but which would not have escaped the scrutiny of the discerning people of the State.

On what basis has the voice of resentment or revolt against the leadership being raised ?

As noted, if it concerns the interest of the people and the State, then why not make it public ?

Or is it a case of maintaining party discipline where dissent is given no room ?

Remember in the 15 years of Congress rule here, the voices of discontent and revolt against the then Chief Minister O Ibobi were shut up the moment the Centre, ironically under the BJP, passed the stringent anti-defection Bill.

And remember this was at the beginning of the 15 years Congress rule in Manipur.

There were voices of discontent later too, but all these were dealt with swiftly and efficiently so much so that Manipur did not see a change in leadership for 15 long years.

The BJP came to power after the 2017 Assembly elections and in just a little over two years, one now sees political unrest, with the Governor herself conveying the same message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Is it a case of the Chief Minister unable to take the team along or is it a case of too much interference from close aides ?

Either way it does not cast the party in power in any good light.

The two years itch seems to be the case and if any change in leadership is what the dissenters want, then who is the best placed to be the option ?

This is a question which only the dissenters can answer, but it stands that they are all answerable to the people.

Can Manipur really afford to have a change in leadership at this point of time when so many critical issues are facing Manipur in the face ?

A final solution with the NSCN (IM) can be inked any day in the near future and this is where Manipur will need a strong Government.

Is internal dissent desirable at this point of time ?

How about the Manipur People Bill, which has already been passed by the State Assembly and is awaiting a nod from the Centre ?

Will these issues be driven to the back bench now that there is an internal squabble within the ruling party ?

Remember the political climate in Manipur back in 2001 when the words ‘without territorial limits’ were inserted in the ceasefire pact with NSCN (IM).

And remember this is June and the 2001 uproar also occurred in June, June 18 to be precise.