Dr Asangba Tzüdir
With the win in the Indian states of Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh, the Lotus now blooms in 19 states. This is the sixth consecutive win in Gujarat, while it has ousted the ruling Congress from Himachal Pradesh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has termed the win as victories for “politics of good governance and development,” while the BJP president Amit Shah said that the results showed that the people had voted for “politics of performance.” On the flip, conceding defeat, the newly appointed Congress President Rahul Gandhi termed the performance of the Congress as a “moral victory” which is true especially considering the margin of defeat and therefore a morale booster.
Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas (Together with all, development for all) a policy initiative for inclusive development has been the popular slogan leading to the elections. The campaign centered on 'Reform and Transform' though certain sections of people have been critical about this slogan as one that has remained just a slogan. This criticality is also reflected through the results in the rural Gujarat and also the fact that 2% of the voters chose the NOTA (None of the above) option, which is said to be higher than the shares of all other parties apart from the BJP or Congress.
Caught within various political uncertainties, another general assembly election approaches Nagaland, even as the musical chair crisis continues which has become a top priority game. Probably, the CM’s recent Christmas greetings came too soon before settling the internal crisis. In the latest episode, the sacking of two Ministers belonging to a certain tribe has already irked their tribal Hoho that has shown resentment ‘justifiably’ but on tribal lines. Such petty politics only further triggers a ‘wrong turn politics’ in tribal color. On the whole, though a lot has been said, words are hard to describe the utter despondent state of the present Nagaland Government within and out, and only a ‘fool’ would dare enter the same water twice.
Excuses, apologies and rhetorical promises will pour out in abundance soon in the form of ‘election manifesto.’ ‘If you want to eat freely from the plate we provide, then vote for me/my party,’ is a ‘cheap messianic like’ refrain that still lingers. Though the public, especially the youth, are tired of the false rhetorics, their response is yet to be tested. Therefore, this calls for assertion of one’s duty and moral responsibility towards creating a process of desirable change.
For now, the phrase, ‘we got what we voted for and what we deserve’ sums it aptly. And therefore this question begs a serious answer - What will the people of Nagaland vote for this coming election? Having learnt so many betrayal lessons, it is hoped that one will not vote blindly or selfishly. A lot is at stake and it requires a very wise decision from everyone keeping in mind the future and the hope for a better Nagaland.
(Dr. Asangba Tzudir contributes a weekly guest editorial to The Morung Express. Comments can be mailed to asangtz@gmail.com)
