It is interesting to read the report of NNN on 20th Jan 2012. The trend of voting mindset of the electorates of Manipur- quoting a few intellectuals like Dr. L. Dhanabir, Mr. K. Mani and Mr. A. Mobi- President, All Manipur Working Journalists stating that the electorates vote according to the merits of the candidates in disregard of the party’s manifestos. If this report and opinions are true reflections of the voting patterns- it may be only half of the truth.
If the electorates have been voting on the merits/personality, aptitudes of service to the people and moral character, there would have been a sea change in the developmental landscape of Manipur. Corrupt and immoral politicians would have been swept aside and people with no good credentials would never dare to contest. However, in the last 20 years the electorates of Manipur have been under the grip of servility. Whoever bribed the most gets elected. Money power decides. On the day of voting- the right to freedom and livelihood is sacrificed for a few bucks. Since the electorates could be bought with money, once elected the politicians especially of the ruling party openly put price tags on every facility the government implements. Sanctity of public life/governance is of the least concern. In the name of insurgency- looting of public money by the governing authority and so also the nationalists is the order of the day. The politicians on the throne of governance blatantly behave and show (to be seen) that you the electorates, your rights of freedom and pursuit for happiness/livelihood was bought on the day of voting. Hence, electorates buy the right to work and even developmental processes are denied to those who do not pay tributes to the Netas of today. The rulers loot, so the subordinates join in the looting at their own levels. Evil begets evil- a vicious cycle.
So, the voting pattern is never according to the conscience of the electorates. It is by greasing of the palm and stuffing of the stomach during the time of electioneering. The lack of transparency, accountability and accessibility of the governing authorities speaks loud and clear. No wonder Manipur government- in the last 20 years enjoyed the unenviable rank amongst the most corrupt. This is the making of the electorates!
Dr. Nelson Vashum
