Nagaland awaits Solution - that's new Year gift: President's Rule will be celebration bonus

Anyone could be called 'Man of the Year' for 2022 in India; but for Nagas the only 'Man of the Year' in 2023 is Narendra Modi. Each Naga finds his or her life and future -- young and old -- linked to the most crucial political decision Modi will take during the year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will join the rest of India in making foray into the new calendar year 2023.

No Indian state and no community will be awaiting the Prime Minister's political decision in the new year with so much expectation as the state of Nagaland and of course the Nagas in Nagaland and also in neighbouring states of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.

For Nagas - Prime Minister Modi resembles an image of a Hope. But the cautionary line is more the 'hope'; more can be the frustration if the country's most decisive Prime Minister fails to take a final call. Thus, there is utmost relevance of the slogan (Nagamese version) - 'Modi asey hobo toh'.  Yes, its possible with Narendra Modi around. 

But this is easier said than done. In the case of Nagas and Nagaland of 2023, he has to deliver.

The Prime Minister has to show that unlike most of his predecessors, he has a determined political will. He has guts and he can take risks. His friends and well wishers among Nagas and Nagaland watchers including veteran S C Jamir have told him time and again -- in writing and otherwise - that he need not await 100 percent consensus to resolve the Naga political problem.

The umbrella organisation of seven outfits NNPG led by N Kitovi Zhimomi is patiently waiting to ink the peace pact. Many civil society organisations including Gaon Burrah Federation and NagalandTribes Council have also done their part and put on sustained pressure to resolve the problem at the earliest. But saboteurs are at work. The 'delay' prophets come in every shape and colour. They may come in the garb of security agencies, perhaps presenting an alarming scenario that once the final peace pact is rejected by one section, Naga hills will burn.

The world has changed since the 1970s and 1980s. 

There are political opportunists who are eyeing yet another round of elections. The target is not democratic values. Its Mission 'power politics'. So much greed of power and loot that an overwhelming sections of Nagas themselves in Eastern Nagaland have rekindled their demand for carving out a separate state. 

Nothing could be a clearer expression of no-confidence in a state government than this demand. But the power players in Kohima feign ignorance. Innocence is a virtue, deliberately looking the other way in democracy is hardly a virtue.

I visited Nagaland on the eve of Christmas. Nagas are keeping fingers crossed, with hopes on the Modi government.

But their skepticism is not unfounded as the past experience shows they may yet again fail to achieve what they want. The incumbent state government is much unpopular. The anti-incumbency mood is very strong.

It would not be erroneous to state that few will shed tears at the extinction of the present political dispensation in Kohima. Chief Minister in office Neiphiu Rio is in power since 2003 with a brief gap when he had moved to Delhi as an MP eyeing 'greener pastures' in Lutyen's city; but his tenure is almost comparable now with the Manmohan Singh regime in Delhi. Nobody knows what is happening. The target is simply to continue in office.

The very purpose of an elected government stands defeated there. 

This is a fit case to impose President's Rule. PM Modi and his handpicked friend and Home Minister Amit Shah will -- for a change -- steal all the positive limelight in Nagaland and from Nagas - for imposing President's Rule. 

Rare things to happen with a community and a land where India bashing sells politically. 

If things do not workout in their favour or according to their desperate wish, it will be a blunder.

Certainly, as a Modi Bhakt, one would caution that it takes a rare skill ---arrogance and totally misguided move - for any leadership to alienate itself from what everyone else and faceless Indian citizens would want. 

Prime Minister Modi has been more than keen to help north east India develop and live in peace. 

This is the moment to deliver it on hand. As the leader of 135 crore Indians, Modi has the ability to gauge public mood. He has done that pretty well in Gujarat in 2002, he has done that in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh when he withdrew the farm reforms bills. So is the time again to oblige Nagas. 

Enough of accommodation was done. Governor R N Ravi was shifted as the Modi government wanted to show that nothing matters more than the solution and peace for Nagas. But the response has been not encouraging. The men in Kohima appear as great conspirators in silence; and that's really bad.

Years back the Naga National Council (NNC) was formed by A Z Phizo and the 'sacrifices' were made by Nagas of Nagaland state, and people are continuing to do so.

The demand for a separate state in Eastern Nagaland shows people crave for development and peace;and they have faith in the Indian government system too. But there is a breach of confidence in Kohima's power players.

Where has the money funded so generously for deprived and underprivileged sections meant for underdeveloped people vanished? Who benefited? 

Even Nagaland Congress president K Therie says, “We support President’s Rule to implement the agreed political solutions".  

Limits have been pushed, Mr Prime Minister. People by and large are afraid to speak out the truth, some think it's futile. It is for New Delhi to take a final call. 'Urban Naxals' deserve a shock treatment as we are on the cusp of a new year. 

ends 

(Nirendra Dev is a New Delhi-based journalist. He is also author of books, 'The Talking Guns: North East India' and 'Modi to Moditva: An Uncensored Truth'. Views are personal)

  

A good foundation is half the journey in politics !! BJP's confidence boosted in 2022 -- now eyeing new milestones

(In 2022, the BJP did well in state polls including UP and Goa. Droupadi Murmu's election process as President of India created a new national buzz. Giving recognition to a tribal and also to a woman on the 75th year of Independence was definitely a significant decision.)

New Delhi 

The BJP's journey in political glories in terms of electoral victories began in 2022 with four states win including Uttar Pradesh. The saffron party won March polls in Manipur, Goa and Uttarakhand besides Uttar Pradesh proving the prophets of doom wrong on many issues.

While Punjab went to the AAP, the calendar year came to end with the BJP retaining its hold and achieving a record win in Gujarat. 

Of course, it lost polls in Himachal Pradesh, the difference in vote share with Congress was only about one percent. 

These elections and Presidential polls and BJP's win in getting its nominee become Vice President of India bring in a much needed respite in the NDA camp as the ruling alliance's attempt for a hat-trick (third time consecutive win) would be now much easier in 2024 than perhaps it was in 2019.

On the other front, the Lotus party returned to power in Maharashtra after dethroning Shiv Sena's Uddhav

Thackeray; the split suffered by Sena is going to have a long term impact in the politics of the western state.    

The country in 2022 got a new President in a tribal woman Droupadi Murmu from Odisha. The BJP is certainly credited for giving India its first tribal President. The BJP nominee Jagdeep Dhankhar, a former West Bengal Governor, made it as the Vice President and it is a fact that he comes from the politically significant caste of Jats in Rajasthan.

There is of course a big political message in all that.

"If the Opposition cannot do minimal coordination when their material interests are not as much at stake, there is almost no chance they can do anything meaningful when there are real stakes," wrote Pratap Bhanu Mehta in an article for 'The Indian Express' after Presidential polls. 

Of course, the BJP being in power in the centre and in various states across India, the results of Presidential elections and for the polling of the Vice President of India were well known conclusions. But these occasions could have served as a great opportunity to show some unity of purpose in the opposition camp so that in months to come they can prepare themselves to take on the might of BJP's electoral machine in 2024.

The BJP-led NDA has an overwhelming majority in both the Houses of Parliament and for Vice President elections, Dhankhar also got crucial additional support from the BJD of Naveen Patnaik in Odisha and Jagan Mohan Reddy’s YSRCP in Andhra Pradesh. Of course, TRS of K Chandrashekhar Rao supported Alva's candidature but at the end of the day, the opposition unity remains a mirage.

It required hardly a few minutes for Margaret Alva to do her diagnosis of the malady in the anti-BJP camp. Immediately after losing out to NDA candidate Jagdeep Dhankhar, Margaret Alva, a veteran Congress leader said -- “This election was an opportunity for the Opposition to work together, to leave the past behind and build trust amongst each other. Unfortunately, some Opposition parties chose to directly or indirectly support the BJP, in an attempt to derail the idea of a united Opposition".

Her remarks were seen as a veiled attack on Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress, which had stayed away from voting in the elections for Vice President of India.

Mamata Banerjee is not alone; a few other opposition parties have derailed the myth of opposition unity on both the occasions - elections for President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Dhankhar.

Firstly, these two rounds of polling for two high constitutional posts show opposition parties lack coordination at all levels - both in Parliament and outside. There is so much absence of talent and potential candidate(s) and importantly, there was a total lack of 'social penetration' by these parties.

While these parties including the communists do not leave any chance of attacking BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for being autocratic and not an inclusive regime, on ground the BJP could be a better outfit for fulfilling the aspirations of tribals.

The stage is perhaps set for 2024, a great moment for Hindutva-driven nationalistic politics.

The Congress under Pt Jawaharlal Nehru had won a majority in three consecutive elections in 1952, 1957 and 1962. Under Indira Gandhi, the party won 1967 and 1971. Incidentally, the BJP won two consecutive polls in 1998 and 1999 under Atal Bihari Vajpayee. In 2009, the Congress returned to power under Manmohan Singh and PM Narendra Modi won the 2014 and 2019 polls.

Now, the BJP and Prime Minister Modi are marching ahead to become the first party in over five decades to win  three back-to-back Lok Sabha polls.

Of course, crucial polls are ahead in Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura in Feb-March 2023 followed by Karnataka in summer; while Mizoram, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan polls are also slated by November-December next year.

A good foundation is half the journey in politics, they say. 

ends 

Congress revival chances remote, but struggles continue in North East

New Delhi 

Three north eastern states are to go to polls by February 2023. Meghalaya and Nagaland have been Congress bastions for long. Tripura was a communist forte though the Congress was the principal opposition and the Rajiv Gandhi-Santosh Mohan Dev tandem had also brought the grand old party to power years back.

The Congress does not have any legislator in Nagaland. In Tripura the 'revival journey' is markedby return to the party fold by local stalwart Sudip Roy Barman. BJP's Bardowali MLA (elected in 2018)Asish Kumar Saha also quit and joined Congress. 

In the by-polls, Saha lost to Chief Minister ManikSaha but Roy Barman returned to the assembly from Agartala assembly segment -- as a Congressman but essentially retaining his forte. 

Barman is working hard to ensure revival of the grand old party. "Who knows, the Congress revival may start fromnortheastern states and we may give a kickstart in Tripura," Barman told IANS.

In neighbouring Meghalaya, state unit Congress chief H Vincent Pala is also working hard and trying torevive the grand old party. Congress stalwart Mukul Sangma has deserted the party and is today in Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress. In Nagaland too, state pradesh Congress chief K Therie iskeen to sweat it out. But he has issues and essentially organisational weaknesses across the state. In 2018,funds crunch made him field only 18 candidates out of his original plans to field 60. 

Things have not improved much on both -- the fund system and organisational levels. A former ChiefMinister K L Chishi announced in June that he will contest the polls on Congress ticket from Atouizu assemblysegment in remote Zunheboto district. However, the Congress party has hardly seen any 'revival' journeyin the Zunheboto district itself after such a personal announcement.

"K L Chishi is a time tested leader and is a known fighter. But things do not look very encouraging for Congressin the Zunheboto district itself," says a local Congress party leader. However, Congress state unit president Therie remains a steadfast anti-Neiphiu Rio leader and that certainlyadds to his party's strength in the electoral contest because a strong anti-incumbency mood now prevails in Nagaland against NDPP-BJP-NPF dispensation.In the ultimate, doubts remain whether Congress can really field 50-60 candidates for the February polls. 

Therie has gauged his limitations and thus he has given a clarion call for floating a 'secular front' against NDPP and BJP. He also says "If BJP and alliance government wants a solution, just step down and ask Govt of India to implement the agreed Naga peace solutions. If not, tell them in a resolution adopted in the state assembly that we want elections on time". 

Doubts about the centre's intent on whether elections will be held on time or not have started since Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Shillong (Meghalaya) and Tripura capital Agartala on December 18. 

In fact, BJP office bearers and leaders from Nagaland were summoned to Shillong and that too after cancellation of national office bearers' team meeting with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Dec 16. This too did not help clear the cloud on the chances of delaying the polls. In other words, there was a more focused approach about the impending electoral battle in Meghalaya and Tripura and there should not be any doubt on BJP's political mission in these two states.

In Tripura, paradoxically the Congress chances of revival are hidden in its cosy relationship with the Left parties. Recently,the Left Front of five communist parties and Congress issued a statement against the BJP.

The state Chief Minister Manik Saha has reacted to the development saying such alliance making ultimately will suit his party.

“The relationship between Congress and the Left Front is nothing new but today it just came out in front of the public. People were always fooled and confused by them. But now it is confirmed that people will not cast a vote for them. They should learn a lesson from West Bengal. They are making mistakes again and again. They are making mistakes as they have nothing elseto offer," Saha said. In 2021 assembly elections, Congress and Left parties ended up losing all seats in West Bengalthey contested and thus it became historical that one time Left's proud bastion today has no communist legislator.

Not long ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had mocked Congress in Lok Sabha stating 

Nagaland as a state voted for Congress 24 years ago, Odisha 27 years ago,

Goa  28 years ago, Tripura - 34 years ago, and in West Bengal, people voted for Congress 50 years ago.

ends 

(Nirendra Dev is a New Delhi-based journalist. He is also author of books, 'The Talking Guns: North East India'

and 'Modi to Moditva: An Uncensored Truth'. Views are personal)

Regional parties "tested and failed" and so BJP is the answer

Few can dispute  the assertion made by Late Union Minister and a well known BJP poll strategist Arun Jaitley that the regional parties are "tried, tested and failed forces". This was amply clear in two subsequent Lok Sabha polls in 2014 and 2019. Even in assembly polls in key states such as Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, BJP stole the limelight as a nationalist force sidelining parties such as Samajwadi Party, BSP and Aam Aadmi Party. 

Other regional players such as Trinamool Congress and TRS too have their limitations.

Now in Meghalaya, BJP leader  L. Michael Kharsyntiew says - "Meghalaya voters should understand what is the point of voting for NPP or any other regional party when a party that is set up in Meghalaya is trying to fight elections in Tripura, Manipur and Nagaland...or Karnataka. Where from they are getting the money?"

His view is that the money or Budget meant for Meghalaya people are getting siphoned off and diverted elsewhere "just for the sake of political ambitions a political party".

Precisely even the Congress party says that the regional parties have failed miserably in Meghalaya.

"We had NPP led by Conrad Sangma and three regional parties including UDP in power...And there was failure because Conrad Sangma government was not able to deliver," says Congress ticket aspirant from East Shillong 

Manuel Badwar.

Given these situations, BJP spokesman and a former IPS officer M Kharkrang, told 'Organiser'  --- "I have come to the conclusion that among all states ruled by BJP, they have shown immense development. That was something underlined by the Prime Minister's visit on Dec 18".

Thus he says the regional parties have no much future and Meghalaya deserves a nationalist party such as the BJP. He argues that it is truly blessed by people's support and so the saffron party has come a long way in Meghalaya and will do well in February 2023 polls.

 People have realised BJP's potentials in bringing developmental revolution, he says. 

His party colleague Michael says -- 

"Under NPP Chief Minister Conrad Sangma corruption flourished. But more than the political parties...people have to understand how things have moved. People should realise that what is being provided from Delhi for Meghalaya is indirectly going out to other states. It is a joke that a party is in power for four years and now they are constructing a party office by spending more than Rs 15 crore".

Thus, the BJP is determined to fight the regional parties.

The cycle of democracy has again shut the floodgates of opportunities for regional forces.

The opportunistic games to play up their anti-BJP and anti-Congress politics  on their sleeves – depending on what suits them where will no longer work.

Of course most regional parties particularly in northeast feel Congress cannot fight the powerful electoral juggernaut of the BJP.

 An important point is the ‘Modi Magic’ is helping the saffron outfit to sail through all along. The developmental mission of BJP and PM"s inclusive growth trajectory gel well with local candidates and the local conditions in Nagaland and Meghalaya.

In other words people of north east may not allow corruption and non performance in the name of regional aspirations to shine in the heat and dust of electoral battle. 

On the other hand regional forces are not able to come together in any unity of purpose. 

In Nagaland two regional parties in the state NDPP and Naga People's Front (NPF) are no longer keen for once initiated move of merger.

In Meghalaya, political observers say the regional party UDP is poised to do well this time. "UDP won seven seats in 2018...and they could have won at least 15 seats easily in next year's polls. But there is something called crab syndrome and the infighting will prevent UDP from doing well," says a local nalyst Samuel Manoj.

In  March 2022 assembly polls too, BJP did well in Manipur and all its rivals the Congress and regional parties NPF and NPP could not achievev as they had hoped.

The developments forced both the Chief Ministers Neiphiu Rio and Conrad Sangma to work to ensure their own survival in Nagaland and Meghalaya respectively.

The big brother approach of the Congress was dangerous for regional parties for long and now the BJP's Mission Development is eroding their space.

Regional forces thus no longer make much of political significance in several states.

In Andhra Pradesh, the YSR Congress party is a potent force now but faces BJP. 

In Telangana, the TRS is a genuine

competitor to both the Congress and the BJP.

The ‘Telangana pride’ and new found statehood in 2014 had rewarded the TRS earlier.  TRS supremo KCR could prove the prophets of doom wrong and win as 

many as 88 seats in 119-member assembly. The outfit’s voteshare saw a quantum leap from 34.3 per cent to 

46.9 per cent. But unlike 2024, the BJP will give TRS a strong fight.

KCR has changed his party's name to Bharatiya Rashtra Samithi but how much will such a gimmick work.

The same anti-Congress sentiment actually is on work in parts of Meghalaya. Former Congress chief minister

Mukul Sangma, a popular mass level leader in Tura hills, decided to quit the grand old party and joined Mamata Baneree's

Trinamool Congress last year. Sources close to him say, he got the 'on ground feedback' that the Congress would be

decimated in next year's assembly polls due February 2023.

In Tura region of Garo tribe, incumbent Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma runs NPP. His sister Agatha is

Lok Sabha member from the region. In other words, Tura region is all set for fight between two Garo 'sons of the soil' and

regional titans Mukul Sangma and Conrad.

Things do not end with these alone. Five Congress legislators - all from Khasi tribe from mainland Shillong region -

have now deserted the grand old party. 

Two of them have joined the NPP already.

Ends

Soccer's original icon Pele expires at 82 :::: Tears of Joy !! It's human for a magician, for a Soccer God...

Tears of Joy !! It's human for a magician, for a Soccer God...

A 17-year-old Pelé weeps on the shoulder of the goalkeeper Gilmar after Brazil’s 5-2 victory over Sweden in the 1958 Word Cup final.

Pelé (centre) celebrates after Vavá fires home his, and Brazil’s, second goal in their 2-0 win over the USSR in their 1958 World Cup group game.

Pelé is helped from the pitch by Brazil’s doctor, Hilton Gosling (left), and the trainer Americo during the 3-1 defeat by Portugal at the 1966 World Cup. 

(The Guardian snaps) 

"The passing away of Pelé leaves an irreplaceable void in the world of sports. A global football superstar, his popularity transcends boundaries. 

His outstanding sporting performances and success will keep inspiring the coming generations. Condolences to his family and fans. RIP." - tweets PM Modi

Soccer's original icon Pele expires at 82

And wherever football is played, the name of Pele will synonymous with it, says BBC. 

The legend, the first global superstar is no more.

The original football icon and magician for his superb footwork and skills - Pele - is no more. He was 82.

Pelé – originally named Edson Arantes do Nascimento – began playing for Santos at the age of 15  and the Brazilian national team a year later, bursting onto the world football scene as a 17-year-old in the 1958 World Cup.

Not long ago, none other than Sir Robert Charlton, an acclaimed English former footballer, also called Bobby Charlton had said that football might have been "invented for him (Pele)".

A post on Pelé’s official Instagram account following his death said the icon “enchanted the world”.

During his international career, he won three World Cups – in 1958, 1962 and 1970 – the only player to achieve the unique milestone. 

Media reports said he died due to multiple organ failure resulting from his colon cancer. 

He had electrifying speed and deadly accuracy in front of goal made him the legend. 

A fine gentleman that Pele was, after Maradona died in 2020, he had famously said - "I have lost a dear friend.... One day, we will play soccer together in the sky" - Pele on Maradona 

In terms  In terms of Pele's legendary performance, it is said that goal that shook the footballing consciousness of the world was when 17-year-old Pele took a long pass on his thigh and then hooked it over his head and took a swift turn to send the ball past the Sweden's goalkeeper in his inaugural world cup. That shows -- beginning knows its end, or its never ending saga.

In a statement, Pele's family said "inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pele".

Cristiano Ronaldo shared his condolences to all of Brazil and Pele's family, saying he was an inspiration for millions. Harry Kane said he was a "true inspiration".

English football legend Sir Geoff Hurst said Pele "remains the greatest" player of all time, and he was "proud to be on the pitch with him". Uefa joined fans across the world mourning the football legend. The governing body said Pele was the "first global superstar"

The Brazilian Football Federation described Pele as "eternal".

France striker Kylian Mpabbe said Pele's legacy will never be forgotten. The Premier League praised Pele's remarkable career, calling him an "extraordinarily gifted footballer".

Brazil's celebrated star, Neymar, said Pele transformed football into art and entertainment. 

Pele's greatness can be measured by the simple fact that he could make football a spectacle of natural grace and beauty when he missed as much as when he scored. He layered his brilliance across a career spanning from his start as a teenager with Santos to a finish as a money-spinner at New York Cosmos.

And wherever football is played, the name of Pele will synonymous with it, says BBC. 

Pele suffered World Cup disappointments too, none more than when he was brutally kicked out of the competition in England in 1966.

He left the scene of the 3-1 defeat by Portugal at Goodison Park draped in a blanket after a succession of fouls that left him limping on one leg, with his right knee heavily bandaged. During the match, he had stayed on and continued throwing himself into the physical challenges to prove bravery accompanied brilliance as substitutes were not permitted.

That knee injury was caused by earlier savage challenges in Brazil's first game against Bulgaria and Pele was so disgusted by his treatment that he vowed never to play in another World Cup - a decision the game was grateful he later reversed.

Brazil's 1970 World Cup win was the pinnacle of Pele's career. He was the focal point of a dream team that has become enshrined in the game's history. Pele may have been the headline act but he was accompanied by names such as Rivelino, Jairzinho, Tostao and Gerson, as well as the great captain and leader Carlos Alberto.

Trinamool Congress has multiple challenges to handle in Meghalaya, it says PM Modi's Shillong visit was a "wrong timing"

Conrad has blundered : Trinamool North Shillong candidate Elgiva Rynjah  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Shillong visit on Sunday, Dec 18, was on a "strong timing" and NPP leader and Meghalaya Chief Minister did a "blunder" by addressing the function in Hindi, Trinamool Congress candidate for North Shillong Ms Elgiva Rynjah has said.

"The Prime Minister came to Meghalaya on wrong timing...it was a Sunday..on Sundays even as a Christian I  don't go to the podium and address a function. But you see, our Chief Minister being a Christian himself (Mr Conrad) not only addressed the gathering...he also spoke in Hindi," she told this journalist.

"You know why he did that ...because he wants to get green signals from Narendra Modi...and I will tell you today, Mr Conrad Sangma has made a blunder. Welcome to the world of politics...and may be he is still a kid," said the 32-year-old and one of the Youngest candidates in February 2023 polls.

Of course even a section of citizens in the state capital said the state BJP leaders should have briefed high command and the Government of India and and advised to avoid the NEC Golden Jubilee function on a Sunday.

Trinamool leader Ms Elgiva said, "The BJP is just not sensitive to the Christian sentiment. Even during Congress Government in the state when Mukul Sangma was the Chief Minister if Indira Gandhi’s birthday fell on a Sunday we celebrated it either the previous day or the next day".

In this context, she claimed as it is the Christian sentiment was hurt in the past when the Modi government made Dec 25th the Good Governance Day on the Christmas day because Atal Bihari Vajpayee's birthday falls on Dec 25.

However, the BJP leaders are making light of the opposition charge vis-a-vis holding of NEC function on a Sunday and said they are raking up these non issues as all of them know that BJP's Trump card is Development and parties such as Trinamool Congress do not have any positive claims on these lines.

"These are old tricks tried by our rivals...They were perhaps successful in 2018 also. But now five years have gone, we were in power of course as a smaller partner but no church was closed or no food was banned " says BJP leader 

Michael Kharsyntiew.

Another BJP ticket aspirant from Shillong North M Kharkrang, said --- "I have come to the conclusion that  all the states ruled by BJP, they have shown immense development. That was something underlined by the Prime Minister's visit on Sunday".

Trinamool leader Ms Elgiva denies her party will be a vote cutter party.

"We are serious contender and we will form government".

To a  question on Trinamool Congress getting the tag of a "Bengali party" in Meghalaya, Ms Elgiva said -- " I  don't believe Trinamool Congress is a Bengali party because...in such a situation should we say even our national anthem penned and sung by a Bengali himself is a Bengali anthem. So, my question is why is India singing that national anthem".

Ends 

Guest Column: M Chuba Ao -- We Christians are Indians and part of 'Bharatiya ethos'

There are an estimated 28 million Christians living in India. Christianity is India's third-largest religion after Hinduism and Islam in a population of 1.35 billion people. Religion-wise population breakup in India is Hinduism -- an estimated 79.8%, Islam 14.2%, Christianity 2.3%, Sikhism 1.7%, Buddhism 0.7%, Jainism 0.4% and others 0.65%. 

While there is no clear majority denomination among Indian Christians, most of the Christians identify themselves as Catholics followed by Baptists.

It is believed that Christianity was first introduced to India nearly two thousand years ago by St. Thomas who was a disciple of Jesus. However, the spread of Christianity in India began much later, from the 16th century onwards, with the arrival of European missionaries. The earliest of these missionaries were Portuguese and the Dutch followed by French and the British. Gradually, Christianity also made its entry into the north-east frontiers of India in the 17th Century when American Baptists started proselytizing the local Assamese people in Sadiya. Soon, it started spreading into the other parts of north-eastern region.

Though Christianity is a minority religion in India, people of the faith have been making crucial and vital contributions to nation building since centuries in the field of education, social service, economy, literature, health care etc. Christian missionaries can be considered the pioneers of the Indian education system that we see today. The missionaries preached in the native languages and also used English to introduce the local people to Western ideas. This led to growth of modern vernacular education as well as English language. The Europeans were also among the first promoters of women’s education in India. Today, all the states with large Christian population enjoy healthy literacy rates. In fact, a vast number of the prominent citizens of past and present have received their education from one of the plethora of Christian missionary schools dotting the landscape of India. In the social space, western ideals introduced by the Europeans inspired the social reformers of India to fight many prevailing socially evil practices such as sati, female infanticide, purdah, polygamy etc. Christian missionaries from the very beginning worked towards abolishing these anti-social systems. In the economic space, there is hardly any state or a region of the country which has not been influenced by the works of Verghese Kurien. Knows as the father of White Revolution in India, he transformed the dairy sector of India making it a self sustaining industry and largest rural employment sector providing a third of all rural income. There are many other Christians who have made such equally vital contributions in diverse businesses. 

Proud but 'shy' Christians: 

 

While these achievements make me swell with pride as a Christian, I can also easily say that Christians are often 'shy' of their contributions and rather peculiarly tend to behave defensively. I fail to understand such a predicament. Yes indeed, some kinds of complexities have been created by irrational linking of Christian religion with negative aspects of Colonial history. But Christianity or not, we Christians and our forefathers cherished Indian freedom as much it was done by a Hindu or a Muslim brother in 1947. Ordinary Christian citizens had been actively involved in the Indian Independence movement. The All India Conference of Indian Christians advocated for Swaraj and opposed the partition of India. Christianity never forced Indians or Indian Christians to give up their love for the country. Then, why as an individual and as community we should not be more assertive! Why should we not tell anyone and everyone that India is very much our own country! We belong to it as do people from other communities and Bharatiya or Indian ethos are also as much our own. Whether one is a Naga Christian, a Mizo Christian, a Khasi Christian or a Catholic or a Baptist, we are all equal citizens of India and I can say confidently that most Christians are patriots and nationalists. Christians' contribution in nation building is something we should be proud of. And I am confident that a number of non-Christians and perhaps an overwhelming number of them appreciate our contribution, patriotism and overall social service. 

Underlining these points has become imperative for some of us because as Christian politicians our association with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is frequently manipulated and twisted by trying to show the Party in the bad light; as being opposed to Christianity and its followers. The Hon’ble PM Modi has time and again assured that his government does not differentiate between people on the basis of their faith and religion. Founded by illustrious leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee and L K Advani, this party has always believed in Gandhian socialism and true secularism. BJP's concept of secularism is akin to the Father of the Nation where he thought all religions were true and the State should be secular to protect all subjects. 

Advani ji himself was a product of a Catholic Institute, Saint Patrick's High School of Karachi in un-divided Akhand India. Union Minister and my young friend Piyush Goyal did schooling from Don Bosco High School, Matunga in Mumbai. Former Punjab Governor J F R Jacob was born in Calcutta to a deeply religious Jewish family originally from Iraq. At the age of nine, Jacob was sent to Victoria Boys' School, a boarding school in Kurseong near Darjeeling. By citing these antecedents, I am laying emphasis on the spirit of inclusiveness and Bharatiya spirit of Vasudeva Kutumbakam that the Party embodies. Narendra Modi has been crystal clear and very articulate on the matter by urging people to appreciate the importance of self-discipline and the spirit of Vasudeva Kutumbakam. His slogan 'Sabka Saath and Sabka Vikas' is essentially based on the doctrine that all development and peace and progress in a multi-religious and multilingual India is based on the doctrine of equality of the human race. And so why should Christians presume that the BJP will be against them? It is a fatuous argument, therefore, that Christianity as a religion and the BJP as a political entity are in a state of confrontation. Nation building cannot be compartmentalized -- like we cannot say -- 'my India and you are not Indian' kind of rhetoric. The BJP is never anti-Christian. 

Satire -- only consolation being -- I am not alone in the train !

Jokingly Yours

Dimapur 

Another year gone....another season of political wheeling and dealing too is ringing out. The world will soon step into 2023 ....but the outcome is uncertain.

As I take train to Dimapur from Guwahati-- my last train journey before Christmas; the cool breeze works like a lullaby. And eyes are closed and as I sleep briefly relishing the siesta; a man attired as the Santa Claus arrives and says the chocolate box has been taken away by custom officials. There were some ED officials also.

But he tells me - I give you an opportunity -- you can dream being Netas. You can in fact have three choices. YOU CAN BE IN THEIR SHOES AND YOU CAN HAVE THEIR BRAINS.

I find the offer too lucrative to reject. What about their 'hearts' ? -- I ask myself sheepishly; but then accept the offer. But I also make a request that while two can be politicians, the Third one should be non-political.

My first choice is being Neiphiu Rio -- of course an old acquaintance and the great Survivor of 2022. 

And I think as Rio : -- "Not a bad year .... afterall. 2022 passed off without facilitating anything on ground. I could handle so much pressure. And of course my favorite word of the year goneby 2022 is 'Himanta'. 

Favourite Numbers - 40 and 20 and please it's in this order. And the words and phrases I hated during the year-- -' Nagaland Page' and of course 'Nirendra'.

New Year Resolution-- Just survive in office.

My next choice is A K Mishra.

And I think as Mishra, the peace maker :

"Certainly a good year it was 2022. Lot of hard works and tough negotiations. 2023 looks promising. One additional assignment too. But the challenge is big in coming days. Most asked question for me in 2022 was "Mr Mishra, what is happening...any updates?".

Favourite word - Solution. The word I hated most during 2022 - also Solution. 

Mysterious words -- 'Eastern Nagaland'.

And finally I think as a 'budding Naga politician'.

And my thinking goes round and round.

Should I think like a regionalist and behave like one of the four MLAs and wait for instructions from a sitting boss. Should I think like a BJP man in Nagaland and leave things to uncle Himanta and his friends ?

Nobody really knows what will happen tomorrow. 

A day in Naga politics is a long time. In 2022, it looks longer. 

And more importantly, do we really know the direction of travel ? 

Our elders started a long, painful journey back from the delusions...and then there was psychic tug of war. Nothing has changed. My wife is a government servant. Once I thought she was my jackpot. Now she has not drawn salary for last few months.

But shopping and online shopping is my wife's past time. Children think I am a failed father. I got a call from my friend in Delhi -- he says things are not so good in Indian national capital too. He too is a failed hubby. 

I respond rather helplessly. "Why you say like this my friend ? Everyone says Modi ji is hosting G-20 Summit...and our fate too will be decided by Delhi".

He says -- "Modi asey hobo toh".

I get angry for a while. But as my thought comes back to the bearded man and his Yatra, I get more angry. 

I scream almost -- "Once you all said Mera Bhartat Mahan....today you say India First....and Make in India; when will Delhi really show how sincere you all are.  Give us jobs and also salary...and we will like you for another 50 years'.
The Common Man in me rises up. Santa is gone. There is a widespread feeling of gloom in the train compartment.

My co passengers know it well -- the journey has been delayed. The food packets are costlier than usual. 

There is no water and they know that their destiny is not in their hands or in the hands of their elected representatives. I tell one co passenger -- no reputation manager can fix the shame of being laughed at. How  an ‘compromised’ politician, self seeking media and corrupt bureaucrat lead us out of this hole?

(No offence meant; and Merry Christmas. Happy New Year.) 

Ends 

(this piece published in 'Nagaland Page' -- Dec 23, 2022) 

Security Guidelines maintained, instead Rahul violated mandatory norms: CRPF

Security Guidelines maintained, instead Rahul violated mandatory norms: CRPF

(Contrary to attempts being made to trigger controversies, Rahul Gandhi himself violated security guidelines. During 'Delhi leg of Bharat Jodo Yatra', the protectee violated security guidelines and CRPF will be taking up the matter separately. Since 2020, there have been 113 such violations.) 

New Delhi 

Just as the Congress party has sought to trigger a row over 'security issues' related to party leader Rahul Gandhi, CRPF sources say on the contrary to allegations on several occasions "violations of laid down guidelines" on the part of Shri Gandhi have been observed.

"Security arrangements made for the protectee work fine when the protectee himself adheres to the security guidelines laid down. However, on several occasions violations of laid down guidelines on the part of Shri Rahul Gandhi has been observed," a source said.

Since 2020, there have been 113 violations observed and duly communicated. 

It may further be mentioned that during the Delhi leg of Bharat Jodo Yatra, the protectee has violated security guidelines and CRPF will be taking up this matter separately, a CRPF source said. 

In fact, the critical observations of the security agencies and CRPF have also been communicated to the Congress MP from time to time.

Sources said, “It may be pointed out that during visits of the protectee the required security arrangements are made by the CRPF in coordination with State police/ security agencies as per guidelines. Advisories based on threat assessments have been issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs to all stakeholders concerned including the State governments". 

Moreover, Advance Security Liaison (ASL) is also undertaken for every visit.

Congress party had earlier sought to spark off a controversy after K C Venugopal, AICC general secretary (Organisation) had written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah alleging that the Delhi Police 'failed' to maintain a perimeter around former Congress president while he was marching through Delhi as a part of the ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’.

“As Bharat Jodo Yatra entered Delhi, on 24th December 2022, the security of the Bharat Jodo Yatra was compromised on multiple occasions," Venugopal had alleged in his letter to Shah.

CRPF sources say for the Delhi leg of Bharat Jodo Padyatra for Dec 24, ASL involving all stakeholders was conducted on 22.12.022. 

"All security guidelines have been strictly followed and Delhi Police has informed that sufficient deployment of  security personnel was made. Security arrangements made for the protectee work fine when the protectee himself adheres to the security guidelines laid down". 

These security related controversies vis-a-vis Rahul Gandhi and his family members are nothing new. 

In November 2019 too, these issues had figured and were debated in public space.

A high-decibel controversy broke out on Nov 8 (2019) over the withdrawal of Special Protection Group (SPG) cover to members of the first family of the Congress party.

Even then official sources had stated that Rahul Gandhi, during his visit to Banaskantha in BJP-ruled Gujarat in 2017, violated security norms himself and that could have endangered his life.

He traveled in a non- SPG BR car 'against the security advice of SPG'.  In fact, there was stone pelting and even a SPG PSO was injured.

Sources also had claimed in November 2019 that in many of the 143 foreign visits, Rahul Gandhi had shared the travel itinerary at the "eleventh hour preventing the SPG officers from accompanying him".

Since May 2014, Priyanka Gandhi has often levelled allegations that SPG officials were collecting her personal and confidential information and sharing it with unauthorised persons. 

Similar faultline has been allegedly found with Congress president Sonia Gandhi also, sources said.

In 2019, SPG cover was withdrawn and CRPF was assigned the duty of protecting Sonia Gandhi and others in the family.

"The SPG security cover cannot be a sense of entitlement. It is tax-payer's money," BJP leader Gaurav Bhatia had then told a private news channel. "....We should leave it to the agencies to decide," he remarked. 

ends 

Inking peace pact by Zeliangrong group augurs well for Naga Talks ::::: Why "second senior most" CM in North East missed Dec 18 NEC show ?

Why "second senior most" CM in North East missed Dec 18 NEC show ?

Shillong 

Media questioning is often called deliberate kite flying or simply the misinterpretation.

Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga is the senior most Chief Minister in the region now and he did attend NEC Golden Jubilee show graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his handpicked Home Minister Amit Shah here at Meghalaya capital on Sunday, Dec 18, 2022.  

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio is the second senior most CM having first come to power in 2003. Zoramthanga first became CM in 1998.

But why did Nagaland Chief Minister and a key NDA ally NDPP leader Rio gave NEC extravaganza a miss ?

Of course Governor Jagdish Mukhi, who is also Assam Governor, was present. BJP national vice president and in  charge Meghalaya, M Chuba Ao, also was in attendance. Moreover, Rio is a "good friend" of his Assam counterpart Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is again the NEDA convener. 

Some of these issues are being raised at Shillong as one interacted with BJP leaders and a few regional party leaders in Shillong-- a day after Prime Minister Modi visited the poll-bound Meghalaya.

Among those present at the Sunday event were CMs of Meghalaya, Assam, Manipur (N Biren Singh), Arunachal (Pema Khandu), Tripura (Manik Saha) and Sikkim (Prem Singh Tamang).  PM later went to Agartala but still Tripura CM  came to Shillong.

One senior politician in Meghalaya when came to know about this scribe's interest about Nagaland politics and elections, and that one also writes for 'Nagaland Page' -- simply remarked --  "Are elections really happening in Nagaland....your Chief Minister also did not come ?"

Of course BJP leaders from Nagaland were summoned to Shillong and even three member BJP central leaders' meeting with Chief Minister Rio at Kohima was Dec 16 was  cancelled.

Earlier a lot of speculation was raised about possibilities of BJP trying to revisit the 20:40 seat share formula that has left BJP virtually crippled in Nagaland since July 26,, 2022.

Meanwhile, there are other controversies about PM's Sunday visit. 

A Shillong-based newspaper said as it was a Sunday the local turnout was poor and instead a large number of buses with crowd were parked at Golf Club and Lad Marwoh areas on Dec 18.

Trinamool Congress candidate for North Shillong Ms Elgiva Rynjah told this journalist: "The Prime Minister came to Meghalaya on wrong timing...it was a Sunday..on Sundays even as a Christian I  don't go to the podium and address a function. But you see, our Chief Minister being a Christian himself (Mr Conrad) not only addressed the gathering...he also spoke in Hindi".

"You know why he did that ...because he wants to get green signals from Narendra Modi...and I will tell you today, Mr Conrad Sangma has made a blunder. Welcome to the world of politics...and may be he is still a kid".

Ends 

Inking peace pact by Zeliangrong group augurs well for Naga Talks

New Delhi 

The Government of India's continued and persistence efforts to ensure'insurgency-free and prosperous northeast' is showing immense results as the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) entered into a cessation of operation agreement with the centre and the BJP-led Manipur government.

Of course, Chief Minister N Biren Singh tweeted to say - "This will be a significant boost to the peace process in Manipur".

However, it is perhaps one of those half truths as often underlined by politicians.In fact, there may be reasons to believe that the tripartite pact inked on Dec 27 will actually give a boost to the vexed and long pending Naga peace talks.

A rival faction of ZUF had earlier befriended pro-Solution Naga militants' groupNNPG and this coming around of the new group now signals that the Government ofIndia's peace initiatives have takers in the north east. In other words, this is yet anotherinstance wherein peace emissary AK Mishra can adopt a more assertive stance in his parleys with the NSCN-IM.

Earlier this year, on April 27, 2022, the two factions of the ZUF signed a historic agreement to work together as one unified body, inclining to public cherishment.The two signatories were Raitu Chawang, representing one faction and Jenchui Kamei, representing the other faction.

But in June 2022 in less than two months, the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) headed by Raitu Chawang made a “declaration” that the joint declaration dated 27-04-2022 stands "null and void". 

Such warring factions were indirectly influencing the peace process in neighbouring Nagaland as Zeliangrongtribes are Nagas ethnically and do reside also in Nagaland. Zeliangrongs have substantial presence in Tamenglongregion of Manipur and this indirectly could 'weaken forces' who are against an early Solution to the Nagapeace talks. At one point, NSCN-IM understandably had influence even in the Tamenglong region of Manipur.

The peace parleys kicked off in 1997 are now at an advanced stage and the centre is keen to give the same a push.

The NNPG led by Kitovi Zhimomi is keen for an earlier signing of a final agreement with the Government ofIndia while NSCN (IM) led by Thuingaleng Muivah is still sticking to their 2019 demands for a separate Flagand a Naga Constitution. Both the demands have been outright rejected by the Government of Indiamore than once.

The ZUF has been demanding a separate State for the Zeliangrong Naga tribe. The armed group also claim to be the followers of Rani Gaidinliu, a freedom fighter from Manipur.

However, observers say the NSCN-IM will still not give up their demands of Flag and Constitution. Sourcesinsist things will change on ground if two factions of ZUF essentially take pro-Government of Indiaand mount pressures on their 'contacts' among other Naga leaders to agree for an earlier Solution.

Elections are due in Nagaland by February 2023 but certain doubts still persist whether elections will beheld on time as the BJP's hyped poll promise of 2018 -- 'Election for Solution' would need to be implemented.

Moreover, there is already a demand by Eastern Nagaland leaders for carving out a separate state in the ENPO region and various social organisations and tribal bodies have already threatened to holdpolls in 20 seats in the region.

"Thus to say let us have elections only in 40 seats out of 60 member-assembly would be the most laughableand unacceptable trajectory," says a senior Naga politician.

"Time should not be wasted debating non-issues," he says and insist that a peaceful Nagaland

will add a feather in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cap more so when all eyes are onthe Prime Minister hosting the prestigious G-20 Summit.

In reference to Eastern Nagaland, there is already a suggestion that rampant corruption in state capital Kohimahas kept the backward region deprived and under-developed for years. This has brought in certain developmentalactivities and funds allocations vide alleged diversion under Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio's regime underscanner too. A central team has already visited the state and the affected ENPO region.

Alleged corruption by the state government though headed by BJP's partner (NDPP leader) Rio and is only backed by the BJP is also an embarrassment for the saffron party.

ends 

PM Modi rushes to Ahmedabad as his mother is hospitalised

New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi rushed to UN Mehta Institute of Cardiology & Research Centre on Wednesday, Dec 28, in Ahmedabad where his mother Heeraben Modi has been admitted.

Sources said, as per the hospital, her health condition is stable.

PM's mother Heeraben ba lives with her youngest son Pankaj, a retired Gujarat government official, at Raisan in Gandhinagar area.

The Prime Minister had last met her on December 4, a day before he cast his vote for the second phase of the Gujarat Assembly elections.

Before PM Modi arrived in the city, Ahmedabad police Commissioner Sanjay Shrivastava issued a notification 

banning the flying of drones and other aircraft till Wednesday mid night.

The Gujarat government put off the weekly cabinet briefing and Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel

rushed to the Hospital.

State Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also made a visit to the hospital.

ends