New Delhi
The Congress is desperate for its revival both at the national stage and also in states like Nagaland where its writ ruled the roost once.
In a Facebook post, state unit Congress president Kewekhape Therie has said
"Join Congress, The basis of our fight is justice for all. Together, we can change the land we love".
Very legitimate statement. It has evoked a few reactions too. One very logical remark came from one M Domeh - "Now it's time for Naga people to choose the right leaders and the party".
In an earlier piece for 'Nagaland Page', I had spoken about the Internet "as an exciting invention" -- and also adding, "Angry and suppressed people can now talk to each other. Angry people can tell the rest of the world; why they are angry".
These are relevant not only for an outfit like Congress in Nagaland. The power of
'whatsapp journalism' has gained currency all the more today in the context of allegations
of funds allocation/diversion displaying narrow domestic walls of tribalism.
The departments may deny things, but people would believe the papers that got circulated
almost going viral.
One general refrain came from ENPO region that the developmental activities for ENPO
areas are only in words not in deed or action.
The Central Nagaland Tribal Council (CNTC) also has stated that the Central Nagaland (that is districts of
Mokokchung, Wokha and Zunheboto) has been deprived for the last 20 years.
In fact, "20 years" is a loaded phrase as exactly 20 years back in 2003, Neiphiu Rio first became
Chief Minister and has been in power for most periods since then except his brief spell as the Lok Sabha MP between
May 2014 and Feb 2018 and a few weeks of President's Rule in 2008.
The CNTC has urged the 25 legislators of the region to speak up on this matter.
"....if they cannot fight for the people than they should resign on moral ground".
Former Chief Minister K L Chishi, who also handled the Finance portfolio, now apprehends that the state government
may land into an 'overdraft' crisis as the state Finance department will be divested of civil deposits .
"The Union Finance ministry has already directed all the Centrally sponsored scheme (CSS) funds to be
directed and deposited with the concerned departments.
The Nagaland government is, therefore, set to face a huge and unprecedented revenue deficit," Chishi told 'Nagaland
Page'.
What are the chances of Congress revival at these junctures?
Frankly, there is no escaping the reality of Nagaland in the year 2022. It is also a fact that
'scars' of Congress regimes for decades are to be seen everywhere.
Chief Minister Rio and several of his colleagues are also products of Congress school.
Therie's challenges grow manifold the moment he is asked, "Did all these not start during Congress
era".
A number of Congress stalwarts and Therie's former colleagues have left a trail of evidence showing
how the Nagaland polity was once upon a time reduced to a 'fiefdom' based on tribalism and even clanism.
There were allegations of corruption.
And when 'brothers' of a particular group ruled Nagaland - noted journalist M J Akbar (of course who became a Congress
neta and BJP minister later) had famously written -- "payments are made in Nagaland for works
done in heaven".
Once T C K Lotha as Chief Secretary reprimanded officials saying even "paper weights do vanishing
act from our offices. This can perish only if we hit each other with these paper weights".
In 2003 Nagaland polls threw up a mixed mandate. Even the BJP - which remained untouchable owing to
socio-religious factors - could pick up seven MLAs including the old war horse from Congress Late Hokishe Sema.
Not to talk of NPF (Rio and even Therie were together), the mandate given to the BJP then essentially meant
rejection of Congress. If it had performed well, Congress would not have lost in the first place and subsequently
would not get marginalised.
In 2018, the Congress had complained about fund crunch and Therie had blamed C P Joshi
(AICC in-charge) as his party could field only 18 candidates. The score was zero and 2.1 percent vote.
"I don’t think anybody can stand without the support of logistics," Therie had said.
All these not to discourage Congress today. A party like Congress should revive at the earliest in key states like
Nagaland. But there are no plans as of now.
The Congress has remained silent on the fund allocation issue
pertaining to Tribal Affairs and Minority Affairs ministries so far.
There are hardly any visible incentives for workers and leaders from other parties to join Congress today.
In 2018-19, K L Chishi had joined and also put up a brilliant contest in the Lok Sabha polls. He took the battle
to the rival camp and Neiphiu Rio had to pull up sleeves at the last moment 'especially in Mon and Tuensang' to save
the day.
But is Chishi still enthusiastic about Congress? Whether Congress has shown him the respect ?
Coming to the power of social media, the alleged discrimination in fund allocation to districts is a bombshell.
If anyone thought that by making some media persons not to report these could save the day; it is absolutely
wrong advice.
If the kitchen has a few delicious non-veg curries and fish and pork, mere throwing green salads on the floor
cannot conceal those.
Netas and their un-elected advisors and coteries should understand what happened to Congress in Nagaland
or what happened to the Leftists in West Bengal can tomorrow happen to the 60 peace-makers of opposition-less
dispensation too.
ends
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