More than two decades of groaning under a leadership, who has totally ignored the plight of the villagers and general public, the time has again come for people of Northern Angami II A/C to decide whether to bring a change or continue to suffer as before.
Fellow villagers and public of Northern Angami II A/C, we elected Neiphiu Rio to represent us for 5 consecutive terms in the hope that he will lighten the heavy burden of poor villagers and farmers, bring development in our villages, give employment to our educated unemployed youths.
Though poor, we have showered blessings and other gifts to this leader in the hope that one day surely we will also harvest the goodwill and generosity we offered. Most of all, we have casted our precious vote for 25 years in his favour.
But where are we today? More than 90% of our people remain poor if not poorer and our voice is silenced. For 25 years, we have been denied even a bite of development works and welfare schemes as this leader who is also serving as chief minister for two terms has eyes only for a dozen people who have become crorepattis overnight at the expense of the whole public.
The most we villagers got in return for our votes was less than Rs. 500 for every vote each election. After election, we become nameless, faceless and insignificant creatures in the eyes of the leader we elected.
In the coming 2013 assembly election, our sad history will be repeated if we sell our votes to the same leader for a few hundred for the money will last you for 4-5 days at the most. Why demand a few hundred when he owes you lakhs of rupees. Before Christmas, every villager can demand from him at least Rs. 1 lakh each to cover your festive expenses, which he will willingly pay for he has plenty more to spare.
After celebrating Christmas, when election comes you can rightly say that Christmas expenses and your votes are very different issues. Goods and properties can be bought and sold, but our right to vote should not be sold but cast for general welfare of the people.
I too voted for Rio not less than five times but after 25 years of watching the plight and suffering of the silent vast majority, me along with my supporters and many fellow villagers of Northern Angami have decided not to cast our vote in his favour anymore.
While making this declaration, we also resolved to form a political party of the “common man” to counter the party of the elite few in the coming election. Our party’s sole objective is to uplift the lot of the common people, be it economic, social or political. We welcome all villagers, farmers, small times traders and educated unemployed youths of our constituency who have been denied government jobs despite recommendations from our leader, to the party.
We shall not hang our heads in shame and silence because of our present poor condition. The common man forming the vast majority of voters has every right to reject leaders who have made them groan for many years.
It is my appeal to elders, youths, Church leaders to lend moral and physical support, prayers and other assistance for the success of the common man’s party.
Kevise Sogotsu,
Former candidate
9436003463 (M)
