Editor,
Why does everyone want to become an MLA in Meghalaya? What’s so special about being an MLA? By definition an MLA is a ‘servant’ (public servant). Academicians, businessmen, businesswomen, student leaders, militant leaders, etc., all want to become servants! The truth is that once elected, no one is a servant but a demi-god. An MLA attains fame, wealth and power instantly even if he/she does not have the requisite qualification. We have a Congress candidate in Umroi who proudly claims that he earns a crore a day, which implies that he is not into politics for the money. But is he some kind of an intelligent bloke who can make a difference to Meghalaya’s politics? What about his education? An under matric ! You must be joking. Last week during the inauguration of the office building of the UDP (North Shillong), Paul Lyngdoh urged the people of my constituency to vote for educated candidates, especially the UDP candidate of my constituency. Paul Lyngdoh is an educated man himself, but has he delivered as a legislator? What about those demands that he fought for during his days as a youth leader? Have they been accomplished? No, not even one! The other Working President of the UDP is also an educated man, but what kind of mining policy is that? Then we have an educated legislator who manipulated the marks of teachers during the recruitment exams. Then we have another legislator who assaulted a journalist and that too inside the assembly premises. If it were in the western countries these two legislators would have been behind bars by now. My point here is that we don’t need educated legislators only; we need educated, dynamic, transparent legislators who can deliver. I was in Shillong when there was door to door canvassing in my constituency. The lady UDP candidate claims that she had no plans to contest the elections but she was forced to by leaders of the UDP as she was seen to be a fit and able candidate. Is that so? Now how will I cast my vote for her when she herself does not have the will to represent the people but was forced to? Nobody knew this candidate until she got the UDP ticket. Mark my word, this candidate will finish third in this election. Then we have another lady candidate (North Shillong) who happens to be an ex MLA, ex Minister, ex MSCW chief, ex UDP leader. I don’t remember her doing or delivering exemplary performance either as an MLA or a Minister or an MSCW chief. The only thing I remember is that during her 1st innings as an MLA her government was involved in the Kolkata Meghalaya House scam deal. But who cares? After ten years of hibernating she’s back for her 2nd innings but this time wearing the Congress jersey. I am not a fan of any political party. In fact whenever I go to exercise my franchise I look at the individual only and not the party. I urge my fellow citizens to vote with your head and not your heart otherwise we will end up grumbling for another five years. I sincerely pray to God to provide capable leaders for Meghalaya. Choose wisely friends.
Yours etc.,
Manny Lyngwa,
Via email
Making the right choice
Editor,
In view of the Assembly elections, bipartite and tripartite meetings are going on to reach an unerring solution as to who should be our next leader? And which party should come to power for better governance of our state. As we all know a country or a state without governance cannot progress. Election is a medium through which the body of electors choose their leader. As election is a decision-making process so the electorate get a golden opportunity to choose their desired leader. Pre-election scenario is quite different from that of the post-election setup. So electorate should use their power properly and meticulously. Our vote is our power and it’s very precious because it decides the fate of our constituency, state and country as a whole. One should not let his or her vote go waste by voting selfish and avaricious politicos. We have to form such a government which can guarantee peace, progress, prosperity and all round development of our state. The electorate have the prerogative to know who is what and who is an efficient person before casting their votes. Well, growth and development may be a few people’s concern but assistance in the hour of need is everybody’s concern. Choosing an altruistic, generous leader is not an easy task especially when more than one person is contesting from the same constituency. If one rack’s one’s brains, he or she will reach an antiphon as to who should be the next leader? We have come across various leaders and their governance so now we are in a position to decide who is what and whom should we vote to power. In spite of all these our votes still fail to choose the right person. It is because of we get attracted and allured by tricky politicians who campaign in such a manner that we vote for them and repent afterwards. So the saying goes ‘Think twice before you vote’.
There are some factors we have to take into consideration before casting our votes. Let’s go constituency wise. Is the constituency developed/developing in all respects? Or is it still dormant? What has the MLA of the respective constituency done for its overall development? Problems may vary from one constituency to another, but some problems relating to infrastructure, water, drainage, sanitation etc., remain the same. Taking all these into account and also other things will bring the perfect leader before us. Chants and slogans during the election time are meant for attracting voters towards a particular leader and party. Some contestants even go to the extent of hiring sophomoric people to campaign for them. Vote is everything for this type of politicians and they can sacrifice everything to win elections. Clashes and conflicts among various communities are the result of such type of election campaign. It is alright if the aspirant flays and criticises the opposition party but it has a devastating effect if the wannabe criticises the leader of the opposition party in the name of religion and community he belongs to. This is the tendency of the present day electioneering. The ramification of such political campaign is cataclysmic. They promise peace, prosperity and development but indirectly they pave the way for communal disharmony resulting in slow growth and stagnant economy.
I spent a good four weeks visiting friends and people and I asked them about the state of political affairs in UP, Punjab and Uttarkhand. Needless to say almost everyone commented on how pathetic the situation is, how corruption had seeped into every little nook and corner of our political setup. The government has failed to impress people. Its priorities are left far behind and reshuffle and frequent change of leadership have created bad impression. Discussions and advice always remain in paper and nobody cares to follow. The present politicians are the root cause of concern. They manipulate and divide the country as per their requirement and dump their voters once they get elected. Today when India is becoming a rising super power and economy is flourishing the present lot of politicians and new vibrant young generation should take the lead to sustain this growth. It is high time that the citizens of this country rise above caste, creed and colour while choosing their leader so that India can boast of having good educated leaders who are interested in political and social service.
Yours etc.,
Subash Deb,
Via email