The debate on who is the most corrupt or the biggest defector in Nagaland State politics is actually a pointless exercise and something that is not worthy of public space. It is almost stupid for our politicians and political parties to discuss about corruption or political defection and each trying to claim moral high ground. As such the recent war of words between the Opposition Congress and the ruling NPF on the issue of corruption and defection is an insult to our public imagination. Rather than wasting precious time and energy on political mudslinging, our politicians should instead focus attention on the important issue of peace, reconciliation, unity and political settlement. At a time when efforts are on to bring about a common platform to discuss the political future of the Naga people, it is unfortunate that our politicians are out in the open fighting as to who is more right or less corrupt.
In fact as pointed out by one of the political party if someone has indeed institutionalized corruption in Nagaland or introduced armed elements into electoral politics or those who have institutionalized wholesale defection, by the same measure the question needs to be asked to those in power as to why the same practice is continuing unabated. No one can deny the fact that successive governments and elections notwithstanding the practice of corruption, political defection or using armed elements during election remain. If past and present politicians really have concern to uproot these evils prevailing in our political system we need to begin the process of rebuilding the Nagaland of our dreams. For that to happen, we must first admit upfront our collective failure.
But the problem remains as to whether our politicians have the will to reform. The recent claims and counterclaims on the issue of corruption and defection appear to be more about rhetoric and clamoring for public sympathy. But if politicians are indeed really willing to change, then they should show it by taking concrete steps or reform measures so that the fight against corruption remains real and not just rhetoric. And we should not be satisfied with only good governance but along with this we need probity, transparency and accountability of the government. So if corruption as mentioned by both the Opposition Congress and ruling NPF is indeed a concern then perhaps the two should work together to bring about an ombudsman or Lokayukta at the State level.
In fact the institution of the Lokayuktas has been established by many States through State Legislations. It is expected to be an effective check against mal-administration, corruption, delay, inefficiency, non-transparency, abuse of position, improper conduct etc, perhaps just what is needed in Nagaland. Also the need to have a Lokayukta in every state is what anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare and his activists have campaigned for over the last 18 months. The Opposition Congress has also spoken about instituting a Lokayukta while the NPF has publicly endorsed the demand of Anna Hazare to put in place laws and other instruments to check corruption. However as witnessed during the recent Assembly session there is a big question mark whether the political establishment is indeed serious about fighting corruption.
