Emergence of two power centres Challenges from within
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The Congress better get its act together if it intends to pose a serious challenge to the BJP when Manipur goes to polls in 2027 or the flicker of hope it has managed to ignite for a grand comeback will die out in no time. Funny it is, but when the fortune of the party seems to be on the upswing, internal differences should crop up, and as a party which has been at the helm for the greater period of time since Manipur attained Statehood in 1972, the Congress should know that it cannot escape sharp scrutiny. Ever since the fortune of the party seemed to be on the upswing after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, The Sangai Express has been taking more than a cursory interest in things associated with the party. And it was in line with this that this newspaper came up with the story on the emergence of two power centres within the MPCC, best reflected in how the Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhor campaign was carried on somewhat like a ‘divided house’. As expected, the MPCC has refuted the story, explaining that not all could be expected to be at the same venue to attend the same meeting, for the campaign was staged simultaneously at different places. This explanation may sound plausible, but given how ‘ego’ has always had a place in the mental make up of anyone who comes within the understanding of ‘leaders’, the internal conflict story cannot and should not be written off in its entirety. And this line is being held in the interest of democracy, a system which calls for a strong and effective Opposition. And the people do expect the Congress to take the role of an Opposition seriously and make it effective. In the 2017 Assembly election the Congress with 28 MLAs fell short of being an effective Opposition but after the 2022 polls, particularly after the convincing wins of its candidates in the Inner and Outer Parliamentary Constituencies, the oldest political party expectedly became highly energised. It is for this reason why public speeches of some Congress leaders have gone viral on the social media and many people seem to be lapping them up, especially when it is aimed against the policies and programmes of the BJP. If the goodwill the party has been able to generate is allowed to wither away due to some ego hassles of its leaders from within then the party would not have anyone to blame but themselves. Surely one expects something better from a party which has given political stalwarts like the late Rishang Keishing and if the Congress cannot respect its rich legacy then it would amount to refusing to learn anything worthwhile from the past.
The Congress veterans will know better but this is the time for the party to tap into the situation wherein it can emerge as a viable alternative and break the roller coaster ride of the BJP, a ride it has been enjoying since 2017. A good phase for the Congress here, there is no doubt about it, but it should not be forgotten that in as much as the Congress may understand the politics at play here, the BJP also knows and understands how the Congress plays its card. And internal difference can only work to the advantage of the parties opposed to the Congress. This is for the MPCC and the Congress MLAs to acknowledge and digest and it should also not be forgotten that the BJP has mastered the art of coalition politics and it stands that some of its prominent allies are in the good books of many in Manipur. Go to the places dominated by the Nagas and the NPF will always be a major player and the 2024 Lok Sabha election outcome can be taken as just a hiccup. Likewise, NPP National president Conrad Sangma has always managed to portray himself as a man who has the interest of the North East region at the top of his priority. Early days yet, but the political reality should be taken into consideration and the NPF and NPP cannot be brushed aside that easily. This is where it becomes important for the Congress to remember that its challenge in 2027 will not only be the BJP, but the NPP and the NPF too. To the BJP this question would not matter much for the two said parties are/were allies and there is no reason not to believe that this alliance would not be taken to the 2027 Assembly polls. This is about how the equation may work out, but the first and most crucial question is whether the Congress has it in them to look inwards and tame the egos of its members.
The Congress veterans will know better but this is the time for the party to tap into the situation wherein it can emerge as a viable alternative and break the roller coaster ride of the BJP, a ride it has been enjoying since 2017. A good phase for the Congress here, there is no doubt about it, but it should not be forgotten that in as much as the Congress may understand the politics at play here, the BJP also knows and understands how the Congress plays its card. And internal difference can only work to the advantage of the parties opposed to the Congress. This is for the MPCC and the Congress MLAs to acknowledge and digest and it should also not be forgotten that the BJP has mastered the art of coalition politics and it stands that some of its prominent allies are in the good books of many in Manipur. Go to the places dominated by the Nagas and the NPF will always be a major player and the 2024 Lok Sabha election outcome can be taken as just a hiccup. Likewise, NPP National president Conrad Sangma has always managed to portray himself as a man who has the interest of the North East region at the top of his priority. Early days yet, but the political reality should be taken into consideration and the NPF and NPP cannot be brushed aside that easily. This is where it becomes important for the Congress to remember that its challenge in 2027 will not only be the BJP, but the NPP and the NPF too. To the BJP this question would not matter much for the two said parties are/were allies and there is no reason not to believe that this alliance would not be taken to the 2027 Assembly polls. This is about how the equation may work out, but the first and most crucial question is whether the Congress has it in them to look inwards and tame the egos of its members.