By Benjamin Lyngdoh
Today in Meghalaya, the majority of the discussions on political developments circle around All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) and Voice of the People Party (VPP). These parties have come up only recently with an eye on the upcoming MLA election, 2023. It is fair for anyone (or group) to form a party. In a democratic setup, the idea is tenable when one sees himself/herself as a change agent. However, the real test happens when faced with the need to mobilize mass support and connect with the masses with regards to the motive of the party. Today, this is what both AITC and VPP are faced with. Keeping in mind their early days in Meghalaya politics, this column focuses on the contrast between the two. It explores how they would position themselves. What image would they have amongst the voters?
Initial thoughts –
When the news broke on 24th November (night) about the formation of AITC in Meghalaya, the first thought that struck this writer is that it is a party centred in Bengal and that the name Meghalaya was coined by Prof. S.P. Chatterjee, a Bengali. Till that night, no one seriously thought that the AITC would immediately be able to set up shop in Meghalaya. But, with Mukul Sangma anything is possible. His personnel relations and mobilization skills did the trick and many are still discussing about it. The only question is how many of those who joined him did so out of free will and how many by compulsion. Is AITC in itself a stable ship? In the case of VPP, the first news on its creation broke on 5th October (night) when a document was circulated widely in social media highlighting the name of Ardent Basaiawmoit as its president. The point of difference and a serious eye catcher is the presence of many teachers in its fold. The first thought that came to mind was the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Delhi. Their style of governance is unique and with a human touch to say the least. So, if Arvind Kejriwal can do it, can Ardent do it as well? Can this group of concerned citizens bring change? Is such a party sustainable in Meghalaya? Only time will tell.
The drive –
It is common knowledge that the drive for Mukul Sangma joining AITC is because he wants to become the next Chief Minister of Meghalaya. This fact will gradually play out. For today, the reason being played openly is that he was being sidelined in the Congress party and things were only going to get worse for him in terms of voice and power positioning. At this opportune time the AITC offered him a lifeline and he grabbed it with both hands. It must be noted that Prashant Kishor played an important role in this development. Being a shrewd political strategist, his role will only increase as we move towards 2023. When it comes to VPP, the drive is the societal cry and the need for alternative and clean politics. This is the punch that is being thrown around now. In the Meghalaya of today, these terms are appealing to many. The people are hungry for change but there seems to be no medium for it. VPP has come as a saving grace. It must be noted that the intentions of VPP till date are humanistic with a concern for a holistic development of all. Their approach is primarily bottom-up where they do take a lot of advice and inputs from the grassroots. What they are doing now is more of what AAP was doing in Delhi during its initial days.
The experience –
The main advantage of AITC Meghalaya is that they are built around twelve experienced legislators. In politics, experience is important. Come 2023, they already have legislators to contest from twelve constituencies and factoring how established AITC is in India, finding contestants for the remaining seats might not be that difficult a task. A national party always has the resources (money and people) to get things done. Mukul Sangma and his team would find it comfortable when it comes to charting a victorious strategy by eating into the vote bank of the Congress. In contrast to the AITC, if there is one parameter where VPP takes a serious hit; it is this one. Just by looking at VPP one can fairly say that they are way behind in terms of political experience. But, this is not necessarily a bad thing. Fresh blood into any activity/intervention is always good. Hence, this might play into their hands. In addition, there are many sections that are willing to give VPP a chance. The biggest plus point is Ardent Basaiawmoit. If it were any other person, maybe the people would not have paid much attention. Since it is him and with his record of activism and good governance the party has a strong platform to build upon.
Starting on the
back foot –
The reaction of many towards AITC is that it is a party of outsiders. In social media, many do rephrase it as a Bengali party. Yes, there are claims that apart from the regional parties, all other parties in Meghalaya are outsiders. However, that is not the argument here. The point is that the party will have to work very hard in order to create a connection with the masses, especially at the grassroots. It would take time for AITC to establish itself as a major force. No doubt, people are joining it today as members; but, are these members enough to create a dent in 2023? In the case of VPP, the pressure tactics by the MDA government is concerning. Why should it bar teachers from taking part in politics and public office? As highlighted by the VPP office bearers extensively, the UGC regulations do permit teachers to take part and contest for public office. So, where is the problem? The other day the state government raked up the service rules of teachers. But, how does it matter. After all, a state regulation is subsumed by a central regulation. As a result, VPP is tied up in fighting this issue democratically and legally and in the process it is losing valuable time in its efforts to present itself as an alternative and clean face of politics.
The road ahead –
For AITC, it is about the anti-BJP card and that the present MDA government is a friend of the BJP. Nationally and regionally it is positioning itself as the only real challenger to the ills of the BJP. But how relevant are national issues as against local issues? In the past, it has not been so relevant. For VPP, it is about resource mobilization and coming out with a specific development blueprint to change the face of Meghalaya. Indications are that they are earnestly working on it. A lot of brainstorming is happening. It can be fairly said that many are keenly waiting to see/read what it really has to offer and how it plans to execute it. Watch this space!
(Email: [email protected]; the writer teaches at NEHU)