CN Moe
Counting days for the day of the poll, our dormant state is once again caught up in the fire of activities. It is encouraging how politically driven social mobility is affecting all and sundry. However, a question probes deeper as to why such participation ends with the transfer of power in the hands of the representatives? It could be possibly because people do not realize the power in their own hands, to build a government, to break a government, to chain a government, lest that same power is reflected as means against community development at the base and socio-economic and political justice at the forefront.
It is an accepted fact that Nagaland is no ordinary state. It is a state with its unique set of problems and opportunities. Economically, historically and politically we are at the hung stage of affairs, and to deal with such problems and opportunities we need leaders with insights and with vision, to materialize the achievable aims and objective to develop Nagaland in all these spheres. We require leaders who have the ability to change the existing system for better governance. The usual political blame game no longer works as it has evidently given us stagnating government successively.
The role of citizens does not end with mere voting, nor is it the duty of the opposition party alone to check whether the services are as the people deserves, so also, the discussion of the failures and achievement of any ruling political party should not be confine to eve of election alone but should be a continuous process, so that the government will not act contrary the goodness of its principles. Power lies with the people, to demand the kind of government we want by exercising our democratic rights and redirecting our leaders to the right track, for we all suffer if leaders fail in their policies making or be it in its implementation. We the people vote, we elect and we become the prime witness to the working of our government, to the age we live in and likewise we live with our decision in forming government.
Its time we re-think the narrow and distorted concept of politics we follow. Politics, in true sense is the art and science of governance, not as easy as winning election by means of virtue, or by means of influence and money game. It is an art that demands wisdom not just money, ideas and innovations, diplomacy more than personality, integrity above power, accountability more than smart paper works. Human kind has the ability to adapt, to learn and to grow, but it is only to a willing mind that learning and wisdom comes. It will be a great asset to our state, if we have political leaders who are willing to learn the art of governance, to analyse its past policies, to rectify the mistakes committed, and to uplift the citizens to a new level, by restraining personal and political manipulation within and outside for common good.
Wisdom and vision to reconcile conflicting interest, humbleness and one who knows and sympathise with the Rights of its citizens best describes the quality of successful politician in my opinion. I hope and pray that we may be granted the power to discern and to elect politician who can fight for its citizens more than its party, who have the wisdom and courage to stand for the good, than to seek the easy way out in the face of the wrong. I hope for team of politicians who can find a break-through in the midst of poverty and lead our state to one of the fast developing small state in the country.
The 2013 election is no doubt refreshing with many young and dynamic leaders in the political race, factor un-heard of in the past, nearing to a call for new political era. But to utter dismay, political justice to women still remains a major setback to the political history of people of Nagaland. Power sharing and decision making is male dominant, one sided and defective which further drives to inefficient governance, due to lack of creativity and absence of check and balance in the government.
The Congress party has shown solidarity by including women candidates though in reality could not be materialised, and the NPF led DAN government has promised to consider women Rights, BJP stands utmost in their support, but time will unfold the validity and integrity of the seriousness of the issue. As mentioned earlier, power lies with the people ultimately, so public awareness concerning gender equality is a great necessity to bring a drastic change in the political system. Women in politics can bring peace, as threats and brutal violence is not a women’s game, and only a women can challenge without resorting to criminalising politics in the present context.
In my far flung and loud opinion, the NBCC should support women candidates vehemently if Clean Election is to take place in our state.
The effort and recognition of Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) and its consequent achievement of prestigious Social Impact Award is a matter of hope and pride for the younger generation. To have won the award and the hearts of the right thinking people, and having featured in the National headlines for the good works has shown excellent example of courage in the midst of obstacles, and the power and impact, a team of leaders had in the mind of the people. Congratulations to NMA and gratitude for your selfless sacrifice for the future of all the young daughters today and for those who would one day walk in this land of ours.
In politics to conclude is to begin, thus have this writing imitated. But to think and write on eve of election is to express speculation as to who would come to power? Congress? NPF? in alliance with JDU and BJP party? Or will independent candidates cast a swing spell to win to one of the major party? The people vote to decide. Lets seek wise votes not blind votes. I urge all the voters to vote with a vision when it is in our able power to make a better government.
However, to a common knowledge, a government who addresses the urgent need like handlings debts and revenue generation, capable of providing standard roads to every district of Nagaland without excuses, creating employment opportunities and bringing in innovative changes in the government deserves to win; while hope of social and political justice like peace and Naga national issues, women Rights and focussing on deprived ENPO areas, whether for political motive or real, will remain a constituting factor as to seal the deciding fate of 2013 election and beyond.
