Politics & Friendship: Can the twain meet?

SHILLONG: With parties battling it all out for the Assembly elections 2018, the electorate is witnessing a free for all mudslinging game between politicians, friends turned foes and vice versa.
The Shillong Times spoke to few politicians to get their opinions on politics and friendship.
James K Sangma, NPP member observed that though there are differences in political ideologies, yet friendships transcends all boundaries.
Son of late PA Sangma a national leader and former Speaker of the Lok Sabha, James K Sangma who is also known as a friendly person and a dynamic leader, added, “We have electoral battles, political games, sportsmanship and hang up our boots when done.”
He went on to say that politics is an ongoing process. He also wished his friends a belated Friendship Day.
Asked, as to what he has learnt from his politician friends, James said, “I have learnt a lot from my seniors even from my contemporaries.”
Suspended HSPDP member, Pyniaid Sing Syiem said, “It all depends on the politicians whether they can give time to their friends or not.” Being a newcomer in the political arena, he said, “I have learnt a lot from my seniors and seasoned politicians on handling administration and and dealing with the public.”
Meanwhile, general secretary of UDP, Allantry Dkhar observed that friendship and politics go hand in hand and said, “Friendship begins with social politics and is a catalyst in political processes such as garnering votes in an election.”
According to him, friendship will bloom like a flower and lend its fragrance to politics if public needs are given importance over personal wants.
However, he also pointed out to the presence of fake friends. “Fake friends or friendship is a very dangerous trend and with the onslaught of money driven entities/lobbies, the danger it poses is even greater.”
Stating that he has learnt a lot of good things from his politician friends especially in terms of public relations, he said, “I have learnt many things, a good many are life changing.”
Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM), president Pyndap Saiborne says politics and friendship cannot be segregated. He said, “I have a very close friend who is not from our party.”
However, he said that a trait he learnt from his politician friends is to be diplomatic.
Again Sangma, Syiem, Dkhar and Saiborne agreed that there are no permanent friends and no permanent foes in politics; only permanent interests. Sangma said, “One has to look at specific situations and act accordingly. “
Dkhar said, “There is only the punctuation, comma and no full stop, hence no permanent friends or enemies.”