The uncertainty arising out of the recent political development in the State with reports of dissident MLAs attempting to bring down the four year old Neiphiu Rio government is both disturbing for the stability of the State and also quite unnecessary at this juncture when elections are only a few months away. Those disgruntled elements within the DAN alliance attempting to effect a leadership change should give up on such a misadventure and instead prepare to go back to the people and bring up whatever grievances they have with the people or voters during election time. After all, the DAN Government is mandated to serve its full five year term and they will likewise seek re-election from the people. No one can escape the verdict of the people and the focus should be now on policies and issues not on leadership change at this point. Any attempt of the dissidents to dislodge the present ministry appears to be wishful thinking and despite Z. Obed as leader of the dissident group staking claim to form an alternative government, Rio remains in control and it is highly unlikely that there is going to be regime change. Any political upheaval at this juncture will remain an unpopular move and such political ‘wind-surfers’ should be cautioned on the repercussions that will follow especially the uncertainty which will put unnecessary hurdles in the way of the crucial development programmes already underway.
Coming to the Rio ministry, the resignation of two junior Ministers may not have any immediate bearing on the situation in the State. However, the point raised by the two about absence of unity and coordination in the rank and file of the ministry is hopefully something that the CM himself and the Party President will have to look into. It is also quite obvious that Rio will have to get tough on some of his senior ministerial colleagues who have been accused of large scale corruption. For one, the Chief Minister will have to take greater control of the nuances of factional politics within his own establishment and also learn the skill of a man manager, which will remain fundamentally important while dealing with the various shades and opinions of political interest.
