Rümatho Nyusou
The notorious political hurricane of Indian election arrived here on February 23, 2013 with its emblematic trademark of uprooting family ties and dislodging social relationship, besides inflicting untold destruction and loss of property, before it left for New Delhi in a whirlwind. In principle, democracy is the most ideal system available to us for running human institution because it guarantees and protects the right of each individual; but in practice, where money and muscle power rule, it can become a treacherously divisive system. As usual, in the aftermath of every political gamble, the entire Naga society is divided into two houses- the winner and the loser. The winner takes home everything and the loser goes home empty handed. If statistics is dependable, the unprecedented disparity of figure in the recently concluded state assembly election result is self revelatory. The erstwhile mighty congress, which is now gradually waning, suffered one of its worst humiliating defeats and the waxing ruling NPF party did it again by returning to power with a thumping majority.
Unlike the earlier years, the most recent election was one of the most closely watched election processes in the history of our state. There were a lot of eyes and ears in nearly every corner to observe and report the latest development. To our dismay, in spite of the widespread Clean Election campaign initiated by various Naga civil societies under the benefaction of NBCC, we saw quite a number of people openly indulging in nefarious activities throughout the election period. Ignoring the clarion call for clean election, several political agents were busy like busy bees luring ignorant and innocent voters with cash at a throwaway price ranging from a few hundred to a couple of thousand rupees per vote. It is saddening to know that there are many Naga Esaus who are not hesitant to sell themselves off in exchange for a plate of meal or a bottle of wine. They did not realize that their momentary gain has robbed them of fetching other far-reaching social and economic benefits.
There were also political bigwigs and the underdogs who negotiated behind closely guarded locations for bigger bargain at a wholesale rate and have made huge personal fortune. Such people have ordered and executed the slaughter of democracy on the altar of election. Nagaland, the self proclaimed Christian state where practically more than half of its population starve below poverty line, became a land flowing with wine and money. What a shame it is to hear our fellow Nagas say that we cannot have election without wine and money!
Election process comes and goes so also is political parties. But the people for whom the leaders exist will continue to exist. After election, regardless of their political affiliation, people and their welfare should be the priority of any elected legislature. If democracy is the government of the people, by the people, and for the people, it is definitely not a government of a particular party by its party and for the party alone. Elected leaders who seek to serve only who are associated with their parties will remain as political pygmies. For a time such as this we need towering political figures who will rise above the interest and prejudice of party politics and be willing to serve everyone without discrimination. When can we expect to have such a leader? Sooner or later a time will come when younger generation with greater competence and integrity will lead the way. I wish that day comes sooner in our time than later in future.
