Imlisanen Jamir
They do make it very challenging, don’t they? Nagaland’s politicians and their antics make it increasingly difficult for people to even consider that their political representatives are in any way trustworthy.
Their actions over the years have provided ample evidence to suggest that our leaders are willing to sacrifice beliefs which were previously so vocally and strongly expressed in order to further, or sustain, their own careers.
On April 29, twenty one Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from the Naga People’s Front (NPF) merged with the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP). While Nagaland State has been running without any political opposition since the formation of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Friday’s merger cements our political discourse in a milieu that has no substantial legislative checks on governance.
With the State Assembly Elections set to be held in early 2023, this move stinks of the political machinations that Nagaland has become used to during such times. More scheming could be expected given the current opposition-less government’s alliance with the Centre backed BJP, and the volatility that comes with the massive egos that now congregate together, with all their baggage and hunger for power.
The personal mudslinging, the public accusations and personal insults that were hurled against each other only a few years back to either retain or regain power; when juxtaposed with the love-in we see now is comical.
Commitment to provide a joint front in the push for an early settlement of the Naga political issue has been cited as the reasoning behind this merger. However, so often has this rationale been touted by our politicians that it has lost any potency previously held. For many now, statements to this effect, and moves like the one on Friday, only accentuate the wide held cynicism towards our political system.
A healthy political system must ensure that the public good is placed before individual interests; that there is a broad and long-term perspective on the future of the local community along with a sense of what is needed for such development. It also entails a focus on the needs of future generations in current policies; that the sustainability of the community is constantly taken into account.
Granted these are principles and ideals that a vast majority of politicians and democratic systems all over the world rarely achieve; but is it so awful that we expect our leaders to live up to their obligations?
Comments can be sent to imlisanenjamir@gmail.com
