IMPHAL, November 29: The BJP State unit is leaving no stone unturned to gain political supremacy in Manipur. Its action plans for the purpose have become evident from a series of recommendation emails signed by the BJP State president, Th. Chaoba, addressed to Ajit Seth, IAS, Union Cabinet secretary to the Government of India, Rashtapati Bhavan, made available to the Imphal Free Press.
Quite surprisingly, amongst the many recommendations made by the BJP State president, is the replacement of the current Governor who has been sworn into office only a few months ago. The IFP has not named the Governor in person, because the letter does not either. At one point of the letter written on November 17 (No. 1/Appt/BJP-MP/2012), the BJP State president merely says:
`While we discuss the deteriorating law and order situation in the State, we cannot simply put the square blame on the Chief Minister alone. Every single crime or scams whatever be it, is being carried out under the very nose of the present Governor of Manipur. It is highly suspicious that the CM and the Governor of Manipur together are hand in glove in misdeeds which is highly counterproductive in the process of formation of a redeemed society.`
The letter qualifies this statement saying: `The present Governor seemed to be more interested in State politics rather than acting as a responsible Governor. In the greater interest of the people of Manipur he may please be relived (sic) from Manipur.`
Chaoba`™s letter further suggests a person who would be a better choice for the gubernatorial post in Manipur: `In the light of the fact stated above, i would like to come up with a humble suggestion that the highest chair of Manipur be conferred to a person with political background or a well experienced and reputed retired IAS officers (sic).`
The letter is however cautious of what the choice of Governor should not be: `A Governor nominee with military background may not be the choice of general public for the people of the State had been experiencing a bitter chapter of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). So, any nominee either from police or army may be opposed by the people of Manipur.`
The letter even goes ahead to name a person who should replace the present Governor: `As we presume Shri Mamdhukar Gupta, IAS 1971 batch of Uttarkhand/UP cadre, Former Union Home Secretary, may best suited to the post. He had long experience knowledge (sic) in the North Eastern State of India.`
In another letter, also made available to the IFP, the BJP State president also forwarded a list of prominent officers, academics and personalities from various walks of life in Manipur, who are `hard core BJP sympathisers`, recommending them to be nominated to positions of power in Union Government offices, schemes and projects in the State. All these are ostensibly with the aim of putting the prestige of the BJP on the ascendency in the State.
Several other letters also called for CBI probes into alleged scandals and corruption charges against the Congress government in the State led by Chief Minister, Okram Ibobi, as well as into the affairs of autonomous institutions of the State government.