Kevechutso Doulo
State Executive Member BJP Nagaland
Indian voters, the most powerful players in India's democracy, have spoken out yet again and very clearly. Their verdict is loud and unambiguous; and we must celebrate it while also acknowledging the connotations. I say this not only because I am a dedicated BJP foot soldier, but as an individual and a Naga citizen, who upholds democracy.
In the recent Manipur polls, the voters which included our Christian brothers, Naga citizens and other tribal people have cogently declared their choice.
The polls in Manipur were very vital and I am more than glad that the BJP party has done well. For the first time, we will have an absolute BJP government in Manipur and this will be a defining point for the party in the North East Region.
Due credit must be given to the leaders at the centre who steered the course of the party because at present we are riding the 'Modi wave' which only strengthened Chief Minister N Biren Singh. The BJP in Manipur has used this advantage, translating it into concrete election results which is no small feat in itself.
During these elections I travelled to Delhi and other states, meeting with BJP leaders and intellectuals from Uttar Pradesh, Mumbai and West Bengal. Many of them argued that while there will be a tough fight in Uttar Pradesh, the BJP would have easy sail in Manipur and Goa.
For Uttarakhand, the reactions have been mixed. But one common point emerged from all the discussions that voters seem to be inclined to back Prime Minister Narendra Modiji's 'Double Engine' concept, because there is no better strategy than to repose faith in the governance that is at the helm in Delhi.
I learned that voters often questioned, “Why should they not vote for Yogi Adityanath and N Biren Singh when they have delivered?.” The voters are aware of the benefits of having central leaders like PM Modi himself and Home Minister Amit Shah backing these state governments and monitoring the entire process of governance.
The election period also witnessed the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine which only drove home the fact that we need strong leaders for a nation and who better than our own Prime Minister Shri Modiji?
But having said these, as a politician from northeast, I am aware that the poll battles are never easy. The Congress and even other opposition parties are well versed in the art of election management. Therefore, time and again, the Prime Minister and other central ministers, and our National President J P Nadda have stressed on the importance of dedication and hard work by our 'karyakartas'.
And as everyone would agree - they have toiled hard and delivered.
I think this very concept of dedication and hard work of BJP workers - hundreds of men and women – actually makes BJP a different party. Look at the manner how Congress failed especially in Punjab. Of course it is internal matter of the Congress party, but a very big message from the elections of 2022 is that nothing matters most in democracy than sincere works and performance. Dynasty and big names cannot salvage parties.
During the last five years, we saw our opponents continuously attacking even Yogi Adityanathji over simple things like his attire and mannerism, deviating attention from his achievements of ensuring better law and order situation while reducing corruption in the administrative machinery. The people's mandate proved his detractors wrong as voters were aware about his welfare works such as rations for every eligible citizen and better roads for his state which has painted a new picture altogether for the region.
Good work never goes unrewarded as has been confirmed in Manipur. We really need to emulate the successes across border in Nagaland, and work towards strengthening the party. In Manipur, the BJP delivered on their promise to improve governance, law and order situation and usher in economic development. Their delivery ensured their victory.
Thus, it is time for people to reflect upon what really matters in governance, the real work and not mere rhetoric simply during election time.
There are lessons for Naga voters and of course Naga politicians too.
