| Voter's choice
The electorates will be wise to remember the political drama enacted by the majority of the members of the 7th Manipur Assembly elections on the eve of the imposition of the Central Rule. Two Governments one led by Wahengbam Nipamacha and the other headed by Radhabinod Koijam were dethroned within months. Although Nipamacha regime fell under the weight of its misrule and mismanagement Radhabinod Government was not given the enough time to prove its worth.
For the records, Radhabinod took oath as the 24th Chief Minister on February 15,2001. The new Government was barely four months old when it was voted out of power on the floor of the house. What followed the toppling games was unprecedented in democratic history of the State.
As the MLAs were unable to work out a popular Ministry, Manipur was finally brought under the President's Rule. The MLAs changed their colors quicker than chameleons not for public good but for their own selfish ends (read ministerial kursi). Appalling is too mild an adjective to describe the behavior demonstrated by the former MLAs. And the bad news is that all these former MLAs who paved the way for imposition of Central Rule are now struggling to return to the august House. Can we expect anything good from these former MLAs who threw the State into a complete chaos?
The present trend does not promise a better Assembly after the elections is over. Leaders known for their unwavering loyalty have ditched their own respective parties in search of tickets. If the party hopping and shifting alliance now effected in a mind-boggling speed is any indication, the situation will not change much after the elections.
But all is not lost. There is still time to teach the politicians who have repeatedly trampled upon the mandate given by the electorates. The voters will have to review the performance of the former members of the assembly and the Parliament before they go to the polls. They should convince themselves before putting the stamp on the names of the former members why these people should be reelected.
Are there enough hints that they will correct themselves and work for the general well being of the State this time? One reason for repeatedly re-electing failures and corrupt elements as our representatives is that the majority of the voters had never taken the elements seriously. To many of them election means a few hundred notes and casting of votes in favor of the candidates either who can make them richer by a few hundred rupees or are near and dear ones.
Why is the condition of Manipur worsening in all fronts? The voters will have to find an answer to this question. They should also find the culprits responsible for pushing the State towards the brink. Faultfinding is not enough. Those who have eaten money and fund meant for development works should be rejected outright. We should not repeat our mistakes.
(Courtesy: The Sangai Express) |
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