GUWAHATI: There is a tweak in Manipur’s dynastic politics – the chief minister’s wife has decided to make way for the son this election. The decision of the ruling party made BJP quip: “The chief minister’s wife was their night watchman (as in cricket) as the ultimate goal was to continue the dynastic politics”.
It is more or less official that Okram Landhoni, wife of three-time Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, will not seek re-election from Khangabok and make way for son Okram Surajkumar in the March polls.
Landhoni is the two-time sitting MLA of the constituency, which lies in Thoubal district. “I thought Manipur needs more youth power. Hence, I will step down,” she told reporters.
An economics graduate from London’s Kingston University, Surajkumar, 29, has been a state-level paddler and is married with a son. However, he is a novice in electoral politics.
Surajkumar is likely to contest against BJP biggie Jadumani among others. Jadumani is the party’s Manipur unit vice-president.
Surajkumar candidly says that he had no political ambition until recently. “The reason I decided to take the plunge was to help the underprivileged. Given a chance, I will try and introduce the development models of under-developed countries I studied as a student of economics,” he said.
He insisted that the younger generation of Manipur should firmly deal with the scourge of corruption.
The BJP, which is expected to give the Congress a run for their money this election, said Surajkumar’s entry into politics was not unexpected.
“The chief minister’s wife was their night watchman. Their decision to field Surajkumar in her place is the
continuation of their dynastic politics,” BJP spokesman N Biren told Express.
The BJP got strengthened considerably after three Congress MLAs ditched the grand old party to wear saffron. The Congress under Ibobi is eyeing fourth term on the trot. The two-phase polls will be held on March 4 and 8.