The battle for the Throne
- Imphal Times Editorial :: June 14 2019 -

It reminds me of the political fiction story - “First Among Equals”, one among the best novel by British Parliamentarian Jeffrey Archer.

The story was about the competition among the 4 fictional characters (Seymour, Kerslake, Fraser and Gould) - all back benchers in the House of Common but later rise as the most prominent political figures.

The battle for throne in Manipur’s Political Theatre is interesting. Almost political analysts are keeping a close watch to the recent development.

Not only the political analysts but also all the people across the state are waiting eagerly to see ‘What next?’

Even as there are some differences on the rise of leaders among the politicians between the way that was happening among the British Parliamentarian and that of the Indian legislature, something is common.

In both the system only those with high ambition always comes to the forefront and lead the government.

These are not fictional Characters – the silent battle which has been talking around between N. Biren Singh, the present Chief Minister and Th. Bishwajit, the works Minister now is coming up in the public spares.

It is not the media that brings the story enmity between the two leaders of the same party, but it was both the high profile leaders of the BJP that made the public understand of what is being happening between the two.

First cabinet sitting after the post 17th Lok Sabha Election held at Ukhrul on June 4 raises the curtain of the battle between two groups – one which wants Chief Minister N. Biren Singh to continues, another which wants to replace him with a new face to replace the post.

As this newspaper always says that ‘everything is possible in politics’ – a quote from the ex-minister Radhabinod Koijam, no want can predict the fallout the battle between the two important figure of the ruling BJP.

But as renowned author Jeffrey Archer had mentioned somewhere in his fiction political novel, it is the one who can tackle the situation that will hold the top post.

Interestingly, the present political development shows fight between two leaders, at which both are high profile leaders of the same political party.

Media report says that Th. Bishwajit’s group comprising of 14 BJP legislature including 3 Ministers are urging the BJP leader at Assam to replace the N. Biren Singh from the post.

While Chief Minister N. Biren Singh along with his team is working hard to remain in the post by meeting several leaders.

Just two and the Half years old government, and the battle over the Chief Minister’s post came in public domain.

What is more interesting is the imposition of ban on all kind of sanction to all banks as the state is in serious financial crisis.

Moreover, the ban on the recruitment in all government sectors; all happened when there is a tough political battle going on.

Finance Minister Y. Joykumar’s assurance at which he stated that the overdraft will be cleared by this month, also speaks volumes as this is assumed related with the ongoing political crisis.

The ban on the recruitment of all government undertaking is also one serious development which may have indirect connection with the ongoing crisis over the rivalry against the Chief Minister.

All this happening seems to be well plan game if look from beyond the official guidelines, rules and regulations.

Who knows this development may help in the demand by groups of BJP legislatures who are demanding replacement of the Chief Minister?

Now it is the wisdom of the Central BJP leaders to decide on whether to replace the Chief Minister N. Biren Singh or not.

N. Biren Singh at the capacity of the Chief Minister has restored peace and normalcy and bridge the gap between Hill and Plain people using his own wisdom.

There are many criticism to his policy program or the way he govern particularly from this newspaper (Imphal Times), but it is a matter that we too are confused on deciding the outcome if N. Biren Singh has been replaced.

Even though the present political crisis in the state is more like a game of the Jeffrey Archer’s ‘First among equals’, all is now left to the wisdom of the BJP central leadership.

Until and unless the central leadership decides – people will have to wait and watch to see whether N. Biren Singh continue or will be replaced.