BJP Tsunami in Manipur

Rajendra Kshetri *

Economic Times Correspondent Ms Prerna Katiyar interviewed me (over the phone) a little more than a week before Manipur went to the polls (February 28 and March 5) and asked me what I think of the State BJP's claim of winning 40 plus seats. I told her categorically that "it is a tall claim " and BJP will not be able to win as many seats as 40 plus.

I added, though, that it "should emerge as the single largest party but eventually it will be a coalition Government with NPP and NPF"(read Katiyar's full article "Manipur polls 2022: Fate of Congress and BJP could hinge on smaller yet formidable players", Economic Times, Feb. 19).

Now that results for the full 60 seats of Manipur Legislative Assembly are declared, what must be stated here is Yours Truly was right on the first count (about BJP not winning 40 plus seats) and a little half way from predicting right in the second count (about coalition Government).

Nevertheless, as predicted BJP did emerge as the single largest party. But what I have not anticipated, rather miscalculated, was BJP's prospect and probability of securing an absolute majority. With 32 elected members on its bench, BJP is now sitting pretty cool and comfortable and should be forming the new Government on its own, not a BJP led Government.

People can now expect a stable and stabilise Government which will not be kept at tenterhooks (by any other political party) unlike the previous Government. This bodes well for the State as the Government can now fully concentrate on the developmental works without any hindrance. It could finish what has been left unfinished. People have given a kind of a mandate which may be likened to a Tsunami in Manipur.

The 12th General Assembly Elections Manipur 2022 shall be remembered for the close-to-landslide mandate given to the BJP. It will be remembered too, with equal measure, for the following indicators. The mandate indicates:

1. People by and large are satisfied with the performance of the BJP led Government during the last 5 years of its governance.

2. Majority of the electorate reposed their faith in BJP Leadership.

3. The often-used tag 'People's Chief Minister' given to CM Biren is not off the mark.

4. Sizeable section of voters are in favor of new face(s). This election has thrown up several new faces indicating a strong desire for Change. Of the several new faces, one stands out with distinctive profile.

Shri Nishikanta Sapam, elected as Independent Candidate from Keisamthong Constituency (after being denied a BJP ticket) who later on pledged support to BJP, with his electoral motto 'Transparency and Accountability' and catchy slogan " Ei Siki Amata Charoi" has caught the imagination of educated youths of not only Keisamthong but of the entire urban youths.

All eyes are/will be on him from now on and will be watching every move that he makes. It remains to be seen if Nishikanta really means what he said and/or if he said what he means.

5. People have learned to appreciate good works done by incumbent representatives.

6. The power of 2 Ms--money and muscle-- still continue to be the winning factor.

7. This Election has shown a remarkable performance by women candidates. From a couple of women MLAs in 2017 to 5 in 2022 is no mean achievement. More and more women could/would be elected if major political parties are willing/ready to give party tickets to more women. That would certainly pave the way for more number of women representatives in the House.

8. This 2022 Election marks the End of Congress Era in Manipur. From an impressive number of 28 elected members in 2017 to a dismal/pathetic single digit 5 members in 2022. This is the worst result that Congress has ever faced. The Grand Old Party has been decimated like never before in the electoral history of Manipur. It certainly is the end of the road for INC.

Now that BJP has secured an absolute majority and ready to stake claim for forming the new Government, the race for 'Heinou Makhong' has already begun. Unlike the proverbial race between the rabbit and the tortoise, this one is between two rabbits. Old and New. One with all the old and tested tricks and the Other with youthful freshness and dynamism.

Who Is Your Pick???