Split With The National Federation Party
The first elections held after indenpence, in 1972, saw the NFP win only 19 of the 52 seats in the House of Representatives. Opposition to Koya from within the party grew and by 1976 the Party was divided into two groups when some members of his party expressed support for the Agricultural Landlord and Tenants Bill, which Koya and the NFP officially opposed. ( Koya and his people did not oppose the changes but suggested the party abstain and thus defeat the Bill which required a 75% majority to help it to pass. )The differences were swept under the carpet for the parliamentary elections of March 1977. Koya led his National Federation Party (NFP) to a narrow victory, and should have become Prime Minister, but internal party strife resulted in the Governor General, Ratu Sir George Cakobau, calling on the defeated Prime Minister, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, to form a new government. As you will see from Brij V Lal's book on the life of Jai Ram Reddy called Eye of the Storm and available on internet all 26 Members of the National Federation Party sent a signed Memo, that is signed by each of them to the then Governor General pledging their support for Koya. The governor General was concerned that Sakeasi Butadroka the fiery Fijian leader who destroyed Mara's majorty by splitting 25% of the Fijian votes would fulfil his promise made that very day 7 April 1977 at the Old Suva Town Hall in his Midday Speech that if an Indian was elected Prime Minister Blood will flow. He pointed to his signature Red Tie. The Governor General who has asked the NFP to form grovernment then changed his mind and appointed Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara as the Prime minister. There was no internal strife as Koya and his Parliamentary Caucus spent Sunday,Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday pleading to Ratu Mara to form a coalition government and to remain Prime Minister. This " strife among us " was not evident in those four days. Koya had been opposed in the election by R.D. Patel, brother of the late leader of NFP and had won by a narrow margin. A second election to resolve the impasse was held in September that year, resulting in a heavy defeat for the NFP after it had split into two factions known as the Dove and Flower factions. Koya lost his parliamentary seat to Jai Ram Reddy, who became the new leader of the NFP. Koya's Dove faction had won only 3 seats compared to 12 won by the Flower faction.
Corrections and editions made by Karam C Ramrakha one of the 26 Members.. there was no internal strife for those four days.. please ... Read Brij V Lal's Book Eye of the Storm available on internet
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