CM meeting PM

    28-Feb-2026
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Free Thinker
It is not that easy to get an appointment with the Prime Minister of India. Even for a courtesy call on a meeting - many things are taken into consideration. Khemchand ji meeting the PM along with his two deputies is a very good omen. It seems the Pradhan Mantri likes him, because of his simplicity, outspoken nature and non-communal attitude.
I believe Khemchandji  is  the first Chief Minister who met the Prime Minister in the new PMO,  now popularly known as  Seva Teerth. The most significant aspect of the meeting was that the PM was eager to meet the new team despite the fact that he was awfully tied-up with his Israel visit preparation.  In a way, the CM represented the Meiteis, one Dy. CM represented the Nagas and the other Dy. CM represented the Thadou-Kuki-Zo community. The Observers might have noted down the visible confluence of the three communities.
After almost three years, Manipur Chief Minister could meet the Pradhan Mantri in his niwas. This is news. In fact, the PM was not meeting any politicians or leaders from Manipur .He  did not respond to any appointment seekers including the Union Minister from Manipur and all State VVIPs.  
I really don’t know the reason for not giving appointments to the State leaders.  I think he was really annoyed with the State leaders (Hills and Valley) as they had failed to maintain peace and harmony among the people of Manipur. Since May 2023, Manipur was in a terrible state of affairs – now it is much better in the last one year or so, after the arrival of Bhalla Saab. People can’t deny the fact that they culminated the problems, but their leaders were more responsible.
Disharmony, unprecedented ethnic violence, distrust, hatred between the communities – these all are our own products. The PM is not an ordinary person – he is backed and supported by many competent persons like Mishra ji and Doval Saab and other esteemed agencies .He gets inputs from various sources; he knows – who is doing what ? what are the issues? who are behind the scene? who  instigates ?who gets whose backing, etc - all details are available. The dossiers on every leader, big or small and even  rebels are made available.
The CM while exercising his powers and performing his duties – if there is too much interference – he may simply say ‘no’. A Grandmaster shall not be subjected to so many restrictions and constraints. Take the decisions according to the laws established and simply follow the rules, procedure and conventions. Directions from Home and Party are simply guiding forces. If instructions are not forthcoming - then he can act independently.  Taking good and logical decisions in the interest of the people and the State, is the duty and virtue. Party’s top brass will understand CM’s moves and decisions. Decisions taken in good faith and policies decided for the common cause of the people are never criticized or dismissed.
Actually that was not a formal meeting. That was just a courtesy call-on meeting -after forming a new BJP led government in the State . However it was converted to a brief meeting ; rather a tete-a-tete between the PM and CM. We are told the PM was invited to come to Manipur and the PM is willing to give all possible assistance to the State and for the people.
Obviously all the ruling MLAs can’t become minister or Chairman. At least 22 MLAs can be accommodated, either as ministers or Chairmen of Corporations or State run agencies. The remaining MLAs may be kept with the CM to assist him in his day to day functioning.
A few MLAs may be given morning duty   , others may assign afternoon duty and remaining MLAs may come in the evening. Teetotalers must be encouraged to do day duty. They may loiter around the CM residence and office and meet people /visitors. These law-makers should be CM’s eyes and ears; CM should give important assignments to them from time to time. By rotation they may accompany the Chief Minister wherever he goes.
A Chief Minister of an Indian State - his power is derived from Article 163, 164 and 167 of the Bharat Constitution not from anyone. However in order to exercise his Constitutional power he requires the support from his party leaders. The incumbent CM has got the backing from the Party, support from Home and blessings from the PM. Now he can work without fear of reprimand, rebuke and removal.
Advantages of Ministers without portfolios are tremendous. They can exercise power without responsibility. They give instructions to do – bureaucrats and babus will implement their oral orders. They don’t sign they simply shine. This is only for a few days – let them enjoy till the portfolios are announced.
The CM has the blessings of the Pradhan Mantri – he should not be reluctant to expand his ministry and distribute the portfolios. This is his right and prerogative; he must exercise it at the earliest. The only requirement is, he has to communicate for an endorsement before 8 pm, any day, preferably after Holi. He knows from whom? That’s it!
I posed the CM-PM meeting, asks the London Dr., the expeditor.