One of the marks of good leadership is the ability to take crucial and timely decisions. Self-styled leaders which most politicians are, particularly those that win by bribing the electorate always vacillate when it comes to taking hard decisions because their objective primarily is not to disturb the status quo as it might disrupt their chances of being re-elected and holding on to power. It is also important for those in Government to engage with the opponents of particular policies and to ask them for a blueprint to an alternative policy. It is only fair that those who oppose a particular policy would also have a better policy to place before the Government. The Railways issue has occupied media space for five decades with no solution in sight, simply because successive governments have not had the spine to actualise the plan that had been a talking point of every government elected to govern Meghalaya. When Mizoram and Nagaland have no problem with bringing railways into the state for ease of transporting goods and passengers, why should there be resistance to trains coming to Meghalaya? Have the anti-railways brigade done a cost-benefit analysis of bringing in railways and depending only on road transport? Anyone can assume anything and the assumption that railways will bring in influx is not based on any ground research. So should the Government kowtow to such illogical demands at great cost to Meghalaya and its people.
Meghalaya has lacked strong leaders who would take decisions in the long term interests of the state and its people. Now the state has reached a now or never juncture where there is employment crunch and the cost of living is rising at a rapid pace. Unless some hard decisions are taken to help reduce transportation costs of essential commodities, prices will fly through the roof. Also in an age where ease of communication at affordable rates is the need of the hour, what is the logic in opposing railways? Political leadership and decision-making are not without their challenges and pitfalls. Leaders may face resistance and opposition from rival political factions, interest groups, and the public, making it difficult to enact their agenda. Additionally, leaders may be constrained by institutional barriers, bureaucratic inertia, and legal constraints that limit their ability to implement their desired policies. But given all these, visionary leaders will rise above the barriers and make things happen. Will Meghalaya ever produce leaders who will put public welfare above political gains?
Political leadership and decision-making are central components of the political process. Effective political leaders possess the vision, skills, and determination to navigate complex political landscapes, identify pressing issues, and make tough decisions that serve the interests of their constituents. If a public meeting can be held for less important reasons, why cannot a public meeting be held to allow the public to voice their views on railways? It’s time for the MDA Government to demonstrate its leadership potential.
