Morung Express News
Kohima | June 1
41 year old Academician Kekhrie Yhome today announced his candidature for the coming by-election of the 10 Northern Angami-I (ST) Assembly Constituency at Aurora Hotel, Kohima. It may be noted that the sitting Chief Minister also belongs to this constituency.
Yhome said that a ‘whiff of fresh air’ is needed to end the corrupt politics and governance in Nagaland. “A bold direction on governmental ethics is absolutely imperative. There is a serious need to build an intelligent society that will see incremental growth in our common consciousness, discourse and accountability. The public needs to reassert its ultimate power, which is to decide the fate of who represents them and question what is minimum for civil life. To regain the original values of democratic principles, the people must freely decide who should become their representative rather than allow feudal politics to dictate what the citizens should do or think,” said Yhome during the press conference announcing his candidature.
He pointed to the increase in trust deficit in both social perception and over leadership qualities, which has adversely affected healthy governance, and community peace.
“Petty but detail power mongering has always inflicted Naga polity. It has given the impression that leadership is a royal entitlement rather than being a representative of the people,” viewed Yhome. He meanwhile appealed for young and astute energies to challenge the “old pettiness and money-minded politics.”
“Our thinking defines our hopes. Our hopes define our future. It is the united task of one and all to assert for our collective good and future,” he added.
Although an amateur in state politics, Yhome viewed that most politicians will give the electorate false information and false hope. “What is important today, why I am standing here is to also bring about a new pattern of how we think. I think rather than talk about developmental issues, things in and around us, what is important is that we bring about a new thinking. This new thinking is about thinking about the future,” said Yhome. He called for a “radicalization of our thoughts.”
Yhome also mentioned that he is soliciting different parties. While there is no guarantee for him to join any party, Yhome preferred the support of all parties. Critiquing the old pattern of electoral campaigns, Yhome said: “Speaking what the public wants to hear- this how you get votes, this is how you fool people. You must speak when you are called upon to speak. A new form of governance needs to come in today. You can attack me, you can audit me, I am open to everything but what ultimately is important is that, as a representative of the people what the people want you to speak-is very important- that is not there in today’s leadership.”
He meanwhile stated that the 10 NA I Constituency must continue to reflect its unique character of a cosmopolitan constituency.
“What I’m being told is that the CM has called his villagers and consulted them. I have not heard anything from them. But the kind of opinion I’m getting is that he has told them that he wants to get elected uncontested. This is where I shall not make way for him,” claimed Yhome. He however said he would “not cross the line if the village council decides that I should not stand for election.”
“I want people to vote knowing that their vote is sacrosanct, I want people to know that their vote for me or any other leader is their will. It comes from their heart, from their good will. I am not going to buy votes for winning,” said Yhome.
He also criticized the government for its failure to ensure stability, progress and upliftment of the citizens. “Look at the public- it is in a state of depression. There is a sense of lethargy in everybody…If the government cannot aspire for the maximum happiness of its citizens, if it cannot bring a message which clearly aspire for the good life- it’s a ruckus government, it’s a banana republic,” he said.
Married to Journalist Yirmiyan Shangshakwoshi Arthur with two children, Kekhrie Yhome was a former Guest Lecturer at Nagaland University, Kohima Campus, a former Assistant Professor at the University of Delhi (2007-2014) and Headmaster of Khedi Baptist School, Kohima Village.
Holding a Master Degree in English, a Master of Philosophy from Jawaharlal Nehru University, and a Bachelor of Arts in English Honors, Kohima College, Yhome has numerous experiences in the field of activism and academics .
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