A constitutional crisis comes to an end in Meghalaya with the resignation of Mr.Lapang.

In retrospect, it is clear that by tendering a face saving resignation ahead of the mandatory 'vote of confidence', Mr. Lapang has managed to avoid what otherwise would have been certainly, a more ignominious exit. Yet, this turn of events were totally avoidable and ought to have been avoided by him in the first place. It might have already caused quite some damage to his political standing and stature in Meghalaya. 

With more and more retired political leaders managing to get themselves rehabilitated into various state Governor Bhavans, displays of open partisanship in favour of their patronizing political party are on the increase.

The Meghalaya political fiasco is the latest such spectacle of indulgence in constitutional impropriety by a Governor. It is now clear that Mr. Sidhu made a grave error of judgment by disregarding the mandated requirement of a thorough application of mind and sagacious non-partisan discretion from the office of a Governor while taking decisions of crucial constitutional import.  

It is high time a political consensus and resolution is worked jointly by at least the national parties so as to come out with a strict code of selection for the appointment of Governors. At the least, this code and selection procedure should be such as to result in only apolitical persons of high standing in society with impeccable record of achievements and eminence in public domain getting selected. 

Shahabuddin Nadeem 
Bangalore