Arunachal Pradesh is tired of political instability
Cursory reflections on the events between November 2015 and mid-July, 2016 including the merger and de-merger of the dissident Congress leaders to the regional political party, People's Party of Arunachal (PPA) and back to the Congress fold only proves that it was an internal problem within Congress; resignation of Tuki despite the Supreme Court reinstating him means that he lost the support, as dissident leaders claimed earlier.
And, evidently, the principal opposition party in the legislative Assembly did play an active role once the BJP was clear that the Congress high command was least interested in resolving the matter.
Notwithstanding the apex court's ruling or the constitutional framework, the large section of the commoners who endured those torturous mal-governance period believe that the decision of the governor was correct and was the only way to deliver natural justice to the vast majority who were deprived of a proper government.
The people of the state are wary, sick and tired of the unstable political environment which is costing heavily on developmental aspects. Regular challenge to the CMs and toppling governments means that since January 1999 till July 2016, Arunachal Pradesh has witnessed eight chief ministers with none of them completing their five year tenure.
In a record of sorts, Arunachal Pradesh has had three CMs in three days. If Kalikho Pul paved the way for Nabam Tuki after the apex court's verdict on July 14, then Tuki resigned to elevate Pema Khandu on July 16.
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| Former CM Arunachal Pradesh Nabam Tuki. (PTI) |
Of all these chief ministers, only late Dorjee Khandu had some vision that led to tangible infrastructural growth. During his lifetime, Khandu ensured completion of new chief minister and chief secretary's bungalows which are landmarks in the frontier state and testimonies to late his determination to deliver.
However, after his sudden demise in a helicopter crash, rest of the big-ticket projects including new state secretariat, new legislative Assembly, new MLA housing complex or be it Trans-Arunachal Highway project - all are in limbo, unfortunately.
In more than a way, it may be providential that the son has ascended to complete his late father's unfinished tasks. With his elevation to the top job, Pema Khandu became the youngest reigning chief minister of the country and along with his late father Dorjee Khandu as CM during 2007-2011; they became the first father-son duo CMs of the frontier state.
Additionally, he is the first CM to be born after carving out of Arunachal Pradesh from erstwhile North East Frontier Agency (NEFA) in 1972 and also, first CM to be born after Emergency declared in 1977.
With age and exposure coupled with his enviable pedigree of being a Hindu college alumnus as well as the eldest son of Khandu Sr, expectations are high and that might weigh heavier on the young shoulders.
Although one wish well for the chief minister and pray for political stability yet posturing of the several Congress politicians on the eve of formation of a new cabinet under Pema Khandu's leadership is discomforting.
Also, eleventh hour news of acting governor Tathagata Roy reporting sick after the invitations were sent out doesn't augur well for Khandu government. It is said that the governor is unlikely to return soon. Literally, we do not know how long the wait would be!
Under such circumstances, one can't take it lightly when National General Secretary and Northeast in-charge of BJP, Ram Madhav and North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) convenor, Himanta Biswa Sarma warn of another political upheaval.
It is but natural to judge that the Congress coup didn't go down well with the top BJP brass at New Delhi since this anti-climax meant huge dent, if not quick death, to the grand alliance called the NEDA.
One would add, hereon, political game would gain momentum within the Congress as well as inside the BJP camp.
Lo and behold, everything isn't smooth in either camp. Cloud of treachery is looming large over both the parties and sources tell that a rigorous exercise to unearth the "moles" is on.
Irrespective of what the BJP did or shall do in future, even the Congress needs to do some soul searching on its internal mechanism including the role of AICC in-charge or observer for Arunachal Pradesh in heralding such instability for personal gains.
It's an open secret in the political circle in the state that how these observers or in-charges act as handlers. There are too many credible middlemen to talk about it.
Be warned, despite all the internal upheavals against cousins - former speaker Nabam Rebia and former chief minister Nabam Tuki, the duo is not to be written off so easily though the Nabam cousins are reduced to a pale shadow of their glorious past.
Together, these two are old warhorses that have fought and won many political battles, outside and inside the Congress party; therefore it may be prudent to keep an eye on their next move.