Kedi Haralu
Nagaland is warming up for the coming general elections, thus the intending candidates are slowly but surely gearing up for the big day. But this time it is going to be a very different ballgame, for the public has become more prudent and have learned from their past mistakes i.e. electing the wrong candidate. The 2002 elections was in a way one sided, for the party workers of the Congress party were literally made immovable for random kidnapping and threats were issued, but the Congress should not crib, for the elections before the 2002 elections was a non-contest and since others had boycotted the elections and nominations were not filed, apart from the Congress Party Candidates, the results were obviously one sided. Therefore both parties i.e. the NFF (earlier NNDP then NPC) and the Congress, has had their share of bonuses plus their share of disappointments. Hence, now all scores are even.
The Politicians has had their share of the booty, but it is the public who had to suffer, thus it will not only be money power and brawn, but it will be more analytic and strategy based, for as said earlier, the public have learned from their past mistakes. My reading is that the electorate will focus more on the individual and not the party, for earlier focusing on the party has only brought chaos, turmoil, pandemonium and grievances. Yes, there will no doubt be constituencies that will focus on the party affiliation, but the Municipal districts having the most literate and broad minded voters will surely be different. Political Strategist and Political analysts will emerge, thus making this election a rather interesting one and a nightmare for those making pre-poll assessments (exit polls). Nagas are far ahead where ideas are concerned, plus most have had national or international exposure, which has introduced a very different mindset, which is more broad minded and open to the winds of change. The most interesting factor is the introduction of a new breed of politicians who are much younger and much more educated not only in educational terms, but socially and politically. The new generation will bring much change to the functioning of administration plus economy and will also bring a lot more nascent ideas, especially the development of infrastructure, which will be more updated rather then outdated. This will include the emphasis given to public amenities, plus the privatization of various sectors and most important, the introduction of multinational companies and firms.
Nagaland has gone through a rough phase, with many heartaches and losses, but times have changed, for the better, for the filtering process of Naga politics is near to completion. If Nagaland had not gone through this filtering and cleansing process, we would never have learned anything, thus the complete domination of the state machinery would be in the hands of uncouth, unethical, irresponsible politicians, who win through their money power or by sheer brawn, hence having no knowledge whatsoever how to run a State, which is manipulated by the States Administration, which is usually for their own benefit. We would be like Bihar, where “Goons” and Criminals are issued party tickets, so that the party which is most powerful, will run the Government. It would be like the Hindi movies, where the “Don” or “Big Boss” or the “Dada’s” or the underworld bosses becoming the sitting MLA or MP, but in our context there would be no “Amitabh Bachan” or “Dharmenders” or “Mithun Chakraborty’s” to fight for us. My knowledge on the Hindi movies are limited, but this two or three names I remember (we will have only the Mithun but no Chakraborty’s). Other States in the Northeast, such as Mizoram and Meghalaya are far ahead where all this is concerned. This is why very little money is utilized during their election campaigns, hence they (elected candididates) have the responsibility to deliver to the public and also fulfill all their pre poll promises. Why I name only this two States, is because like us, it is dominated by Christianity.
It does not matter whether one has been elected or has contested many times, but without the required potentials and qualities, the politician just cannot run a Government on sheer dependency of the Bureaucrats and other Administrative setups. It is also interesting to see a change in the National policies, where the Judiciary has shown us all that no one is beyond the law. The case of Shibu Soren being arrested even when he was the Chief Minister, the Jessica Lal case, the arrest and punishments for the killings at Connaught Place shoot out at New Delhi and many other incidents, shows thbat even Indian public is maturing. And have learned the pros and cons of democracy, for Idia is the largest democracy in the world. It is surely a time for celebration, for India as a whole is changing ideologically and politically, and this will affect all the States collectively. These are some reasons which will spice up the politicking in the State, thus the outset will be very much unpredictable. Party influence will make some difference but will just be a minute factor. The voters in urban parts of Nagaland and also some rural areas will bring much change to the face of governance plus factional influence will not be acceptable, for the public have become more vocal and all credit must be given to the media, plus politicians who have similar ideas and views. Gone will be the days where the MLA or MP makes himself a complete idiot, thus bringing shame and disgrace to the Naga populace, which is the exact reason why we are taken as “pahari’s” or “junglees.” Atleast now we can be proud of our politicians i.e. MLA’s, Ministers and MP’s.
In conclusion, most of the readers will agree with me when I say that the present Chief Minster needs to return, for he is young thus having the advantage plus very vocal and to the point, and his ideas and views are very sensible and compatible, (I am not sucking up to anyone, but just pointing out my view), in this fast developing world, especially India, which with China will surely become the next Super Power. I am in no way saying that the previous Chief Ministers were useless, for they too had their own qualities and positive plus constructive points, therefore my statement should not be misconstrued and misinterpreted, for I may have my weaknesses and party affiliations, but this has never affected my judgment and assessment (I have never been bias in my writings). It will be very interesting to observe and see the developments taking place, as the election date approaches slowly but surely i.e. as the D-Day comes closer and closer. The views of the public and readings, is mostly that of uncertainty and election results unpredictable. This General election will be our last chance to change for we may never get a similar opportunity ever again. So, go ahead and vote without being bias or party conscious for what we decide today, we will reap tomorrow, for the better or worse.
