With the passing of the floor test of the state assembly, the newly formed N Biren led BJP coalition government is set to dispense its duties and obligations to the people of Manipur. More than anything, the just concluded state assembly election represents in no uncertain terms the growing disillusionment of the general public and the pressing need for a change of guard. While the developments leading to the occupation of the governance by the BJP cannot be termed empathic, the message is rather for the congress party who was in power for the previous three terms, and despite claims of ushering in progress and development, has failed to convince the public of its intentions and political integrity. That said, politics does make for strange bedfellows, and the new government is no exception. It remains to be seen how much of its rhetoric and bold assurances are being converted into concrete work. It also remains to be seen how the complex and often seemingly impossible inter-communal tensions and counter-claims on various issues are handled and managed.
Now that the change is finally happened, the onus of proving its mettle regarding governance and administration of the impoverished state lies with the BJP, and needs to steamroll its way through the various hurdles and obstacles which will undoubtedly spring up from various vested interests who thrive on taking advantage of the uncertainties and insecure atmosphere prevailing in the state. In fact, the greatest threat to the promise of accelerated development and progress as elaborated and elucidated as eloquently by Narendra Modi as only he could, will be from those elements who furtively operate from the shadows of those who are in power and influence, basking in reflected glory and self-profiteering at the expense of the common people without remorse. There still is the ever-present danger of the good intents and efforts of the change being diverted by a few. If the new government is to make sure that all its promises are kept and wish to continue governing and administering the state for the next many terms, it needs to get rid of the crony-capitalism, rampant corruption and sponsored terrorism which was synonymous with the previous government.
Manipur, being a volatile state when it comes to issues relating to communities and faiths, needs to develop greater understanding and bonhomie amongst the various communities and groups, and the best way to go about it is to break down the psychological and physical barrier that is proving to be the biggest factor in preventing the promotion of understanding. Better communication and means of transportation which entails improvement of roads should be prioritized in order for the mutual mistrust and rivalries existing amongst the groups and communities. The protracted practice of communal politics and fomenting unrest by opportunists must be put to a complete stop.
The Manipur of today presents an unparalleled opportunity for the new government to mould and shape a different, vibrant and radically different state. The potential is there all along. What have sorely been missing are the political will and the integrity to initiate and see things through. Hope the Biren-led state government has the political gumption and acumen to fill in the vital missing gaps.
