As usual, bigger states like Uttar Pradesh and Punjab dwarfed news of smaller counterparts that went to the polls recently. It wasn’t surprising. What was surprising was the rise of BJP or rather the steep fall of the Congress in Manipur. Having learnt its lessons after failing to form the government despite being the single-largest party with 28 legislators in the 60-member state assembly, followed by defection of more than a dozen MLAs over five years, Congress candidates took loyalty pledge before the polls, but this time, they managed to win only five seats, at par with the Naga People’s Front (NPF) and behind NPP (7 seats) and Janata Dal –United (six seats). The dismal performance of the grand old party means that the state will have a weak opposition, which isn’t healthy in a democracy. On the other hand, the BJP crossed the magic mark on its own this time around. N Biren Singh got what he deserved by becoming the chief minister of the state for the second consecutive term after having led his party to a comfortable victory. The BJP government, however, should now focus on fulfilling its promises including Follow Foothills (FOFO) trains, increase of senior citizens’ monthly pension and assistance to farmers under PM KISAN, incentives for girls belonging to backward and economically weaker sections, and freebies for meritorious students among others. Singh-led government also should not forget that it managed to tide over rough political weather in the previous term because of regional parties, especially the NPF, which helped reduce unrest in the form of bandhs, strikes and economic blockades in the hill areas dominated by the Nagas. His government’s relationships with regional parties will once again a play a vital role in maintaining peace in the state. While the past initiative like “Go to hills” was praise-worthy, the government should now work on setting up the facilities in the “Hills”. Such a step will save the government from logistical problems as well as serve the people better. Besides this, the incumbent chief minister should be wary of possible internal tussle and defection, which aren’t uncommon in the state.
Another interesting outcome of the Manipur polls is the increase in the number of women legislators. Out of the 17 women candidates, who contested in the recent assembly polls, five of them were elected, the highest-ever in the electoral history of the state. The number of women political representatives in the state is still dismal considering its 52% vote share and the growth rate since the state saw its first woman legislator in 1990 from Ukhrul Assembly Constituency is painfully slow. Despite women playing a very crucial role in the state’s economy, leading social movements and winning medals in sports, men have been dominating the political arena all this while. However, the rise in the number of women legislators in the state over the past decade is encouraging. The winning rate of women candidates, who contested in the recent election, is 29.41%, which is higher than men’s 22.17%. This change is an outcome of constant awareness being brought about by various organisations and intellectuals on the need for women to become a part of policy-making bodies. It also reflects a change in the mindset of the people on women’s capabilities in political leadership. Such a change is imperative for achieving gender equality and women empowerment.