36 of the 59 MLAs are ‘crorepatis’
Dimapur, March 2 (MExN): Be a rich man, or be governed, suggests a statistical analysis of the newly elected in Nagaland. If you are a man and have assets worth Rs. 5 Crore and more, there’s 55% chance of you winning a state assembly election in Nagaland, says the report compiled by Nagaland Election Watch and YouthNet. Worse, if you have assets worth Rs. 25 Lakh or less, the chances of winning a seat drops to 16%. If you are a woman, either of the variables does not matter.
The report, circulated to the media today, analyses assets held by MLAs, liabilities, age groups, education, gender and criminal cases. The analysis is drawn from data from MLA affidavits that they filed alongside their nomination papers. The report’s stated intent is to inform voters and, in the process, work on electoral reforms, improving democracy and governance in India.
Among other less gratifying details for the common being, the report suggests that holding an assembly seat could be rather lucrative. While Neiphiu Rio’s assets increased by Rs. 23.83 Crore from 2008 to 2013, Tokheho Yepthomi’s rose by Rs. 11.49 Crore. According to only declared assets, Rio had Rs. 6.23 Crore in 2008 but has Rs. 30.07 Crore in 2013 while Tokheho has Rs. 13.74 Crore as opposed to the Rs. 2.25 Crore he had in 2008. Similarly, declared assets of the 27 re-elected MLAs, from 2008 to 2013, enhanced at an average rate of 6%, or Rs. 25.81 Lakh.
Of these, Torechu (Pungro-Kiphire), Chotisuh Sazo (Chazouba) and S. Pangnyu Phom (Longleng) were highest gainers whose assets increased by 4505%, 3672% and 1931% respectively.
No wonder then, 36 of the 59 MLAs are ‘crorepatis’, the crown maintained by 66% (25 of 38) of NPF MLAs, 63% (5 of 8) of INC MLAs and 25% (1 of 4) of NCP MLAs.
But there are losers too. S.I. Jamir (Dimapur II) saw a whopping 89% decline in assets, so much so that his liabilities run to Rs. 1.65 Crore. Even then, he figures among the 20 MLAs with highest assets, alongside Khriehu Liezietsu and G. Kaito. Kiyanilie Peseyie (Western Angami) and Nuklutoshi (Arkakong) are the other monetary losers with their assets declining by 81% and 68% respectively.
The best age, for now, to practice electoral politics in Nagaland is between 46 and 55 years of age. 21 of the 59 MLAs belong to this bracket, followed by the 19 who fall between 56 and 65 years. Though 10 of the elected ones fall in the young category of 36-45, if you are looking for a ‘crorepati’ MLA, go for those between 36 and 65 years of age.
Or else, go for lineage. Merentoshi R. Jamir (Mongoya) is placed in the 20 richest MLAs leaving other young ones with no silver spoon, like Mmhonlumo Kikon (Bhandari) and Tovihoto Ayemi (Dimapur I), in the 20 low assets MLA list.
A particular statistic that calls for optimism is the level of education among those that will govern the state for the next 5 years. 42 of the 59 MLAs are graduates or hold higher degrees. 18 of the NPF winners are graduates, five of them graduate professionals and three post graduates. This is good news, till the realization dawns, statistically, that most of these people have been using their financial assets, not their education, to come to power. These educated leaders have been unable to work outside their box, except perhaps Neiphiu Rio who has applied exceptional political astuteness, but has repeatedly given a sorry response to the question of rights (e.g.: women).
The report need not point out but it is there with its zeroes. Naga women have once again found themselves unrepresented. If you are a Naga woman, no matter what the statistical bracket, there is little hope unless a revolution takes place.
