Koijam Logjam

THE Samata Party and the bjp may get a breathing spell in which to sort out their differences, with Manipur governor Ved Marwah having recommended President’s rule in the northeastern state. The hope is it will not only steady the political tumult in the state but also allow the alliance partners time to effect a compromise.

Marwah’s move comes 10 days after the three-month-old Samata-led Radhabinod Koijam ministry was ousted, with 24 of the 26 bjp mlas voting against it. The fall of Koijam had brought Samata and bjp in confrontation at the Centre, with the former charging the bjp with betrayal. It had even threatened to withdraw from the nda.