Is it for the love of elections? An unidentified member of the public is all smiles during a Congress election campaign rally. (Manen Aier Photo)
Ashikho Pfuzhe
Morung Express News
Dimapur | February 16
With barely five days left for the final countdown to 12th Nagaland assembly election, political campaigns have reached fever pitch with rival candidates taking countless pot shots at each other and the public joining the fray with never-ending ‘Declaration’, ‘Solid Support’ and ‘Rejoinder.’
While most political rhetoric border on allegations and accusations, some are quite ingenious with a sting in the tale. Samples of election campaign speeches and comments, mostly in Dimapur, indicate that the Congress candidates, who have sat in the opposition bench for 10 bitter years, have sharpened their claws, or rather, hitting the nail with better accuracy.
But it is another issue whether the Congress can finally nail the coffin of the NPF with their political rhetoric. Here are some campaign speeches and comments which have entertained the public even in the midst of the serious business of electioneering.
Former chief minister and Congress candidate KL Chishi of Dimapur-I A/C said the NPF like the party’s symbol ‘Cock’ had eaten up all the food grains under BPL and APL schemes, leaving the general public high and dry. “Like the ‘morga’ (cock), NPF is very fond of rice”, Chishi said.
Congress candidate Hewoto Awomi, branded as “David” and “Giant slayer” by loyalist for defeating present NPCC president SI Jamir and sitting Rajya Sabha MP, Khekiho Zhimomi, in 2003 and 2008 assembly elections respectively, said the NPCC has sent him this time to Ghaspani –II A/C to kill “elephants.”
“David” who will be shifting his battlefield for the third time will face veteran politician and Independent candidate Rokonicha and new entrant and NPF candidate Zhaleo Rio, younger brother of chief minister Neiphiu Rio.
Rokonicha who has represented Ghaspani –II six times since 1974, said of his rival candidates, “they are like strangers or hunters. After the kill (if they win), they will be heard no more.” Congress candidate of Northern Angami-II A/C and timber trader, Kevise Sogotsu, who will be taking on chief minister Neiphiu Rio admitted that his wardrobe has grown classier these days. “I am now campaigning in formal shoes and clothes in order not to humiliate Rio who is always tip-top in his dressing”, he said.
The timber man who said he studied up to “Class III and half” also has no qualms in asking his rival a favour this time. “I voted for him (Rio) five times in the past, this time he should vote for me”, Kevise said.
“In post poll scenario, NCP will be like a beautiful maiden with plenty of suitors making a beeline for her”, state NCP president Neiba Ndang said during an election campaign in Longleng. NCP has been projecting itself as kingmaker in the formation of next government.
Coming to ‘declarations’, ‘rejoinders’ and ‘solid supports’ we have seen so many supporters come and gone, swing to and fro and strange unions and stranger offices like “Mollywood” stamping their seal of approval to this or that candidate.
An election enthusiast said that going by the lengthy “declarations” that appear daily in the newspapers, NPF candidate Azo Nienu and Independent candidate Er. Vekho Swuro, would emerge ultimate winners. “But then again, this would pose a problem to the saying ‘there is no second prize in election’ as both are contesting from 19 Phek A/C”, he added.
In the meantime, the happy-go-lucky voters have completely immersed themselves in the poll fever. A middle-aged villager, who was issued a bottle of MC rum during a private poll campaign by a candidate, wistfully told his gathering friends, “I wish election is held.... say every two years.”
