Nagaland is due for another round of the state general election. This time round, peoples’ enthusiasm has been clouded by the talk of hovering Naga political problem solution, a wish which time has not come as has emerged so far. Lack of enthusiasm on the part of the people, speaking of the election itself it is also for the fact that nothing new or different is seen on the anvil. As a rule, each succeeding election should be expected to draw up a better and more progressive output with the experiences of the past. But in Nagaland the opposite is the rule and rather than cleansing up the past misdoings or deficiencies, worst is expected in the electioneering processes of do or die and free for all. The visiting election commission team has expressed apprehension of use of money and muscle powers to win election and enunciated certain new steps to check such misuse. But this roles of money and muscle powers are standard practices in Nagaland electioneering. Use of gun power, unspoken but obvious to the Nagas has become part of power play during elections which the election commission officials ethical reasons has not spoken about, also play dominant role in Nagaland. Who can stop whom in this no holds barred power struggle? Each time the election comes the Church organizations also chip in with their appeal for fair and free election. But they cannot go beyond general appeal which would be effective only if respected but who mind them? At best people are apologetic but not following them. All will appreciate the dictum but easily forgotten as incapable of practice. Where do all these lead us to at the end? The honest ones will be left badly bruised, high and dry. The dishonesty will win the day and so the spoilt system will continue. It seems no power on earth can reform us. We will require a messiah to rescue us.
The money which is not earned and generated by us is already in free play. We talk proudly about spending crores of rupees in the race for election but where have all this money come from? Does anybody ponder why our roads and buildings have gone bad and the general public are left with perpetual difficulties on all these accounts when the contestants can come out with such horrendous amount of money to buy votes. Is this a fair popularity contest or subversion of democratic election? Govt jobs are offered for votes throwing the merit criteria to the wind. CGI sheets meant for the rural housing of the poor are openly distributed for votes by those in charge of these materials. In the beginning, the candidates used these allurements to woo votes in selective cases. But now it’s a compulsion to give money, materials and jobs to get votes. Those who cannot afford to stock themselves with these spoils cannot even think of contesting. In this scenario can we expect to bring our the best minds and brains to run the affairs of the state and its people?
Let us stop and think. It is about creating our own world where we will live and nurture our future. Let us stop acting as if we are living for a day or a time. Let us think deep and plan for generations to come and leave a good legacy for our children.
B T Konyak
Dimapur, Nagaland
