By Vicky Lyngdoh
The entire country seems to be captured in an election frenzy. Indians are desperately seeking change; whether it’ll happen, only time will tell. Every day, through the glaring eyes of the media, we see the “2 big daddies” of Indian politics trying to outwit each other in an attempt to gain the people’s confidence by mutual mud-slinging in order to win the upcoming elections to the 16th Lok Sabha. On one hand, we have the BJP which is excessively shoving its over-hyped PM candidate Narendra Modi in our faces, he’s everywhere you look. Recently, he was touring a few northeastern states, dressed in their respective tribal attire and all, on a massive campaign to gather support for his victory (which is unprecedented of any candidate of said party in recent times, that I know of) with his signature brand of attacking politics which includes long, loud, witty and well-emphasised speeches on pseudo-secularism, pseudo-pro-minority welfare and incessantly bad-mouthing almost every member of the opposition and constantly blowing his own trumpet beyond normal decibel levels.
On the other hand, we have the Congress, with its leadership vacuum (though we all know who runs the entire show…Respected “Madamji”) and their audacity to deny, bury or mislead the nation on multiple scams that have been unearthed during the 10 year regime of the United Progressive Alliance government, by sending its well-groomed, gab-gifted spokespersons in front of the media. However, both these parties have no idea how smart the common man has become and have failed miserably in their translucent attempt to fool us. Come on, give the people some credit. All over the city, we see huge hoardings of the congress party’s undeclared PM candidate, Rahul Gandhi (like it’s some big secret!) in a backdrop of what it thinks the common Indian middle class looks like, which, quite frankly, I find childish and demeaning. On the contrary, more relevant would be a larger than life billboard of the politicians of all the major national parties standing alongside India’s corporate fat-cats who scratch their backs and vice versa.
Personally, I believe in Rahul Gandhi’s vision for India and the political values he upholds. As a young and responsible citizen, I want to see him become PM and represent our great nation on the global front and not somebody who looks like what the cat dragged in and who is completely oblivious to what rural and modern India aspires to, which, sadly most senior leaders and PM wannabes are. Unfortunately, I do not believe that he will be able to accomplish this feat for belonging to a party so deeply rooted in dynastic politics, so afraid of revamping its image and reconstituting its leadership (forgive me for saying this but a political party based on mutual masturbation).
The only breath of fresh air that we felt recently was the emergence of the Aam Aadmi Party, which precisely brings me to the point I want to make. With its stellar debut in the Delhi elections and an equally impressive and aptly conceptualized election symbol, the AAP offered the people a glimmer of hope, hope for change. Unfortunately, that spark seems to be fading, mostly, I fathom due to lack of unity and clash of ideologies amongst its members. The party fails to understand that if they want to clean the system, they need to remain in the system and play by the rules, at least till they get a significant majority. It is precisely this self-righteous attitude, I’m afraid that could be the AAP’s downfall. So I say to the leaders of the AAP, get your act together because the people are ready.
The issue that concerns me is that are there no takers for AAP in our state? Did the people of Shillong not witness the massive revolutions (like Anna Hazare’s fast for the implementation of the Lokpal Bill and the historic movement following the tragic Delhi gangrape) that our country has witnessed in recent times? Are they so oblivious to the nation’s mood for change? From the papers that I read every day, the candidates who have expressed their wish to contest the LS elections for the Shillong parliamentary seat do not excite me and I’m afraid if these names persist come election day, I’m going to push the button on the EVM against the option “none of the above” or better yet, not vote at all. I do not wish, with all my heart, for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls to be yet another cash-splurging farce.
I do not know this for sure but there are rumours of certain names making the rounds for the AAP ticket from Shillong. Topping these names is the leader of a certain women’s group. Now I know that it is highly unethical of me to comment on a circulating rumour and I apologise beforehand; but I just want to put it out there that if it is true, then God help us. This reminds me of a certain event that occurred when I was a student. A renowned leader of a student’s organisation managed to stir an uprising against the system and even managed to amass humongous support from the people. Following this, the student leader formed a political party, contested the state elections, won and eventually left the founding party to switch sides.
In my opinion, the only person worthy of an AAP ticket and capable of bringing such change in our state is a highly educated man of promise and caliber, former IAS Officer and renowned social commentator, Mr. Toki Blah. Again, I am putting my neck out by saying this because I do not know what his take is on the AAP or the simple fact that is he even interested in politics. I do not know the gentleman personally and the only interaction I had with him was at a job interview in which he was on the selection panel. As I recall, I was utterly amazed by this man’s personality and wisdom. Ever since, I have been an loyal reader of his articles and I always watch his interviews on the local channels. He is one person who embodies the values of transparency in the system, clean governance, merit before nepotism and balancing tradition without compromising development. These are the qualities that I look for in a leader who is going to speak for me in parliament.
Bah Toki, if you are ready this, I hope you are not offended. It’s just that when I think of someone who can bring about development and change in our state, in my personal opinion, your name surpasses everyone else’s. Even if you disagree with my views, please do continue writing and guiding us youngsters in the correct path. I am absolutely sure that I am not the only one in your fan club.