By Naba Bhattacharjee
The function was the launch of a centrally sponsored scheme. The Chief Guest and local M.L.A. stood up to deliver his address. He started with the usual amplification of his performance and service for the people and how his “struggle” made it possible for the scheme to be executed in his area. He sounded more like a freedom fighter post August 1947. Thereafter, he asked a gentleman who was seated in the front row, by virtue of being a special guest, to come and stand next to him. He resumed in a patronizing manner, “Bah ……is my colleague in the Assembly’. The introduction was followed by a detailed account of the “illustrious” colleague and the highlight of the eulogy was his track record as a leading contractor with astronomical financial strength which “endeared” him to the people of his constituency to elect him with a massive margin. And in a sheepish tone came the crux of the declaration. “We are all lucky to have my political associate as the contractor of this project”. He paused as the grand announcement almost akin to “…. and the Oscar goes to….” was greeted not by thunderous applause but whispers and murmurs mired in surprise, anguish and dismay.
Not one to relent easily, the chief guest added that their “combination” will ensure total success of the project which will be a matter of pride for the people and something they can boast of. The project covered itself not with pride but doomed as another classic case of people being taken for a ride, by the grand alliance of two public representatives. All actions by the elected are passé today. In the earlier days can anyone with the most fertile imagination even visualize of such a scene; leave aside enact one where say an SC Marak nonchalantly introduces an AH Scott Lyngdoh or an RG Lyngdoh eulogising T.H. Rangad in a similarly shameless manner. Never! Propriety and values are sentiments best given a quite burial. Inflow to personal coffers is all that counts to-day.