(Without election, the very essence of Democracy is negated)
Why is General Election preferred to Municipal/Town Council Election? Why MLA’s do not want President’s rule yet any development money is siphoned off fast. At present, the towns without a Municipal/Town Council is like being under President’s rule, and all the benefits are being sucked up by few individuals. MLAs too do not favour such situation but they rule over the public the way it would have been during a President’s rule. Whatever the various reasons, let there be election for those towns where Municipal /Town Council is wanted. There is no valid reason to stall such important elections.
Some are of the opinion that it will be held soon. But who knows cunning individuals might bribe and instigate some people to create problems to prolong this election. The nearest example would be the issue of the 33% reservation for women. The best solution would be even if the issue for elections should be held for the remaining seats. Thereby, atleast some development or work can be done. In the meantime the issue should be tackled and election should be held for the remaining seats too, I believe that if nothing is done, then such a situation would come in the near future when individuals with vested interest and not elected by the people through a free and fair election, would rule over the people. However with the people’s support and mandate, the elected members can work with some authority. Thou financial aid may not be given, but no financial aid, no authority instead of that, having authority is better. If that were to happen, it will make even the Chief Minister, sort of an opposition member, because he is in not in favour of holding Municipal/Town Council Elections that would be something the world would talk about, should it happen.
A town would not benefit when it is managed by those individuals selected by the government, without any show of concern/voice by the people. Since there is no Municipal/Town Council, the towns do not get any development money and the government also does not do much help. In the time of, Advisory Board members, in the absence of elected Municipal/Town Council, were more or less like ‘errand-boys’ in a slave-and-master relationship. On the other hand, if elections are held, the elected member can do much and represent the people. The DAN Government, instead, wants to keep their own candidate without having the much desired election. This is totally against democracy. Therefore participation of the public in electing the members is mandatory and necessary. Yet surprisingly there is not much criticism from the Opposition (Congress) against such suppression of the rights of the people.
S. T. Yapang. Lkr
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