Editor,
There is an interesting perception amongst the non-tribals of Meghalaya that if BJP comes to power or if it gets more seats their fortunes will take a paradigm shift and will empower them with equal rights, etc.
But it’s time the non-tribals, especially the Hindu community of Meghalaya learnt that BJP is in the habit of taking Hindus for a ride and takes revolutionary decisions in favour of them only when it assures them of electoral benefits by some means. The moment they realise that the same Hindus will not garner them Lok Sabha seats in respective States, it disregards them with step-motherly behaviour and leaves them unattended for 5 years and this is repeated in Kashmir, Bengal, Kerala or Meghalaya.
I would like to ask a humble question to all the non-tribals who are blind supporters of BJP if there has there been any positive change in their standard of living in the last 5 years? In spite of the fact that Meghalaya had the MDA Government (with BJP as an active coalition partner) and a BJP government in the centre with absolute majority, what benefit did the non-tribals get vis-a-vis their rights, social respect, security and ease of doing business? The bitter truth is non-tribals remain 2nd class citizens who are always the soft targets to be beaten up and harassed at will. They remain to be voiceless, unattended and disgraced no matter which government comes.
But having said that, we must also give credit to the BJP where it’s due. Whether they win or lose, they will definitely give their best effort always when it comes to promoting movies which highlight the atrocities against Hindus as we saw during the release of the movie, “The Kashmir Files.” 32 years down the line, the Kashmiri Pandits are still targeted, killed or living in exile till date which is the biggest example of BJP’s inefficiency and hypocrisy. So even if nothing happens on the ground, the non-tribals can rest assured, one day they will get the opportunity to be featured in a movie called “The Shillong Files,” and the BJP leaders would go all guns blazing in sticking the posters of the same in the whole country with great pride!
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request,
Via email
Meghalaya Decisive Election 2023: Vote for Change
Editor,
With elections around the corner in Meghalaya and two other states, a number of politicians are busy distributing gifts, and, who knows still others might even distribute money to woo the voters. Interestingly and just recently we saw in the local media a lady from Shillong returning the gifts she received from the candidates who sought her support, telling them that it’s her personal wish who to vote for. This is a fact that everyone knows. Voting is purely a secret choice given to us on the polling day through EVMs; a Constitutional right of every adult citizen of this great country.
To the poor or those really in need it might be a blessing to take those gifts, however, one mustn’t vote for a candidate because of the gifts, but one must vote for visionary leaders who will bring an overall transformation in the society which will impact the generations to come. Moreover, the nation needs legislators who will work for the upliftment of the society at large not merely distributors who would appeal to the voters in this manner especially during election seasons to garner support.
So beware voters, vote for the change that our society needs and not for temporary benefits. I believe that there are candidates called by God who would fight for the future of our state. Ask for God’s direction and do not be swayed by sugar-coated promises and lollipop gifts. As citizens we need more than these; we need Corruption-free Practical and Impartial Leaders. We need long-term benefits in the form of jobs, good educational opportunities, efficient and affordable health care facilities, good infrastructure, peace at the borders and the promotion/ recognition of our indigenous identity and uplifting the reputation of our state at the national and international levels. Let’s remember to Vote for Change and not for money nor temporary benefits.
Thank you so much and God bless.
Yours etc.,
Pastor CM Umlong,
Kut-Apphira,
Shillong.
Elections and choice of candidates
Editor,
Voting day is fast approaching and the election hullabaloo is reaching its zenith. Its everyone’s guess who will win. Some have decided whom to vote for but the majority are still confused. Every candidate/party has their own programme of action which seems no different from the other. The ultimate choice is between the old candidates and the new ones. Some have termed it as old wine in new bottles. Some have said they are all the same; it is only a change of uniforms. Others are questioning the new entrants as greenhorns. Someone has referred to an old story in Aesop’s fable where a man was sitting on a stool watching the flies sucking from his bloody wound. His friend tried to chase away the flies. The man pleaded not to do so because he said, “These flies are already filled; if the new ones come which are hungry, they will suck me out dry.” Human nature has not changed as prophet Jeremiah (17:9) said, “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, who can know it?”
The moot question is which button shall I press on February 27? Does the Bible have anything to say about it? Yes. Deuteronomy 1:13 : Choose some wise, understanding and respected men as your leaders.
Yours etc.,
Torist Mark,
Via email