| A
better option
Just as the
election Commission of India announced the
schedules for the eight State Assembly
elections, MP Thounaojam Chaoba Singh made a
very realistic statement. The MSCP leader
suggested an election of totally different
nature this time as the electorates and the
political parties have first to project their
leaders and than vote accordingly.
Earlier leaders
were elected only after the completion of the
hustings and after the results has been
declared. This was done to suit the interest of
that particular party.
However, the current approach being necessitated
by the changing political and social scenario in
the State, if adopted, promises a better
alternative for the general public who have been
suffering long due to the callous and
irresponsible nature of the politicians.
Another positive aspect popping out of this
novel approach is that it will give the people
ample opportunity to scrutinize their leadership
and extract their true grit. Now the focus is
zeroed in on political leadership and the
mandate of the people. In short, the interests
of the people are being given top priority.
Another thing which seems to have been absorbed
in the minds of both the electorates and the
political leaders is the need to install a
stable Government. The coming general election
is the first real test for the State politicians
after the anti-ceasefire episode which saw the
burning down of Government structures including
the Assembly Building and the Chief minister's
Bungalow in a show of the people's resentment
for their political leaders.
Should the politicians repeat their mistakes
committed just before the imposition of
President's Rule in the State earlier this year,
the wrath of the people, which they had so
disapprovingly witnessed during the
anti-ceasefire episode, will be back with more
vengeance. And the irony is that there will be
no excuse this time.
For years, The State has been running in a rut
without witnessing a true leadership the reason
for which can be numerous. Not a single leader
could rally raise above the hindrances caused by
the trend of politics being pursued currently
and the politicians' survival techniques, the
grave law and order situation or any other
incumbent factor.
Now the era of a
simple man donning the cap of a politician to
become a leader is gone. They now have to work
with more vision and rise above petty things to
work with more vision and rise above petty
things to serve the people. Their true worth
will be fully tested to see whether they qualify
to lead the people.
However, much still depends on the electorates
and a change of their mindset is the need of the
hour. The scenario will not change if they
continue selling their votes. The timing of the
election falling during the PR regime is better
placed as far as the situation in the State is
concerned. Just as the MP had stated, the use of
money power and muscle power could also be
reduced to some extent. Thanks to the grave
financial condition of the State.
(Courtesy: The Sangai Express) |
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