Editor,
The recent postponement of the Meghalaya Cricket Association election to the 19th, as directed by the Meghalaya High Court, definitely doesn’t hint at anything unusual happening because election processes are always this dramatic, right? Still, the SCA, being a major stakeholder in terms of players, representation, and infrastructure, has every right to question the MCA if it feels the process isn’t as transparent as it should be. Other districts should do the same if they feel hard done by.. After all, transparency isn’t too much to ask for.
What makes the situation even more interesting is that one of the oldest cricket associations in the country, formed in 1937, somehow has no representation among the candidates. And just to spice it up, the SCA suddenly withdraws its candidate. Was it under pressure or pure coincidence? Who knows but the whole thing certainly raises eyebrows.
Then comes the shifting of the voting venue from Shillong (headquarters of MCA) to Nongpoh, with “accommodation issues” cited as the reason. A perfectly believable explanation if one is willing to suspend disbelief.
If any negligence or wrongdoing has occurred in the election process it will reflect poorly on the present leadership, the same group that proudly highlights its prominent personalities and government-linked advisors. But perhaps this isn’t their first stumble. After the previous Secretary resigned, the then Vice President stepped into the Secretary’s chair despite there being a duly elected Joint Secretary. Maybe just maybe there was unanimous agreement, and other associations do it too but to the average onlooker, it felt odd.
As a cricket enthusiast and keen observer, all I can hope for is that this election is conducted fairly and transparently. Whoever gets elected must remember that the MCA is not a personal family heirloom. Leadership should work like a relay, pass the baton at the right time and let the race continue smoothly. Clinging to the baton for too long only slows the whole team down.
And to the outgoing members please don’t try to wriggle your way into yet another comfortable, symbolic nominated position especially now that “words are farcical cushy nominated post is being prepared for an outgoing member”, as the whispers go. You’ve had your innings, now it’s time to step aside, let the next set of players take the crease, and allow the association to grow under fresh leadership. If people refuse to walk off when their time is up, the whole team ends up stuck in a never-ending over and no match has ever been won that way.
Yours etc,
Leonard Wankhar
Via email
SIR for protecting the health of democracy
Editor,
There are enough reasons why the Election Commission of India has chosen to conduct the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. It is not a casual exercise but a dedicated attempt to protect the integrity of democracy. All would agree that free and fair elections are the heartbeat of a republic.
Yet it is perplexing to watch certain political parties throw tantrums and cry hysterically in protest against the SIR. One wonders whether such protests are not encouraging people with ulterior motives. Can we turn a blind eye to the fact that the electoral voter lists in many states have been weighed down by outgrowths. Please note, such outgrowths might turn out to be “malignant.”
India, surrounded by neighbours who often look upon her with fierce animosity, should not be caught napping. I think this alertness is not merely the duty of the state but the responsibility of every single citizen. Was ECI not startled to come across lakhs of forged or duplicate voter cards in Bihar? West Bengal is in convulsion due to the detection of large numbers of discrepancies and suspected fraudulent entries in the electoral rolls during SIR. How could this have happened? Such anomalies seem hardly possible without the backing of political forces. Why don’t our leaders understand that it is exclusively intended to prevent illegal immigrants and never to target genuine citizens, which is in the greater interest of national integrity.
Due to decades of unchecked influx of illegal immigrants, Assam has now been facing challenge after challenge. This is no exaggeration but the ruling government often finds it difficult to deal with forces that rejoice at tragedies. Instead of shedding tears for victims of the Pulwama massacre and the Delhi blast, some clap in praise of the heartless perpetrators. What is all this about? Is it not a serious concern? Well, one shudders to imagine the consequences if our leaders are driven by a hunger for vote banks rather than the safety of the people and of the nation.
Here one feels strongly that the outburst around the Special Intensive Revision must therefore rise above narrow politics and prejudices. It is not a weapon to be wielded against opponents. It is a shield to protect the sanctity of the electoral process in the larger interest of citizens.
Sadly, we have witnessed enough violence and bloodshed in the name of elections and the consequences thereafter. Be warned, “humanity” would be wounded if the wrong forces find shelter and start flexing their muscles.
Yours etc.,
Salil Gewali
Shillong
