A ring of opportunism

The stage is set in the tribal heartland of Jharkhand for a drama that has all the twists and turns to beat even the old Hollywood super-special: the pattern of an Elizabeth Taylor-Richard Burton relationship. After a bitter divorce just three months ago, the BJP and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha on Tuesday staked claim to form a government in the state.

The stage is set in the tribal heartland of Jharkhand for a drama that has all the twists and turns to beat even the old Hollywood super-special: the pattern of an Elizabeth Taylor-Richard Burton relationship. After a bitter divorce just three months ago, the BJP and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) on Tuesday staked claim to form a government in the state.

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The two had split following cross-voting by JMM chief Shibu Soren in Parliament during cut motions in the Budget session in April brought by BJP and Left parties. In fact, almost everyone has joined the patch-up party: in the 81-member assembly, the BJP and JMM have 18 seats each, the All Jharkhand Students' Union has five seats and the JD(U) two legislators. Two independents have also extended support to the BJP.

The possible reunion can be put down to something very basic: passion — of course, in this case, for political power. But such baser instincts are not for public consumption. So the actors have come up with an ingenious reason to justify their reunion. JMM leader Hemant Soren, the would-be king if only his father Shibu Soren hangs up his boots, said that the severe drought in the state has necessitated this union because the people need a government that represents them. Amen to that.

Albert Einstein once said that politics is for the present, but an equation is for eternity. For the time being, Jharkhand proves him right. But for how long? Watch this space.