Nagaland :::: Has ‘Opposition-less’ theory boomeranged? Is it a liability for NDPP?

Has ‘Opposition-less’ theory boomeranged? Is it a liability for NDPP?

The Humpty Dumpty egg cannot go on forever

New Delhi

Drawing political lessons is a constant process. No political leader of wisdom and experience ideally can resist such a phenomenon.

There is a thinking process in the ruling NDPP in Nagaland that the so-called Opposition-less dispensation is now quite a political liability. And if this school of thought is given credence in fact this very factor has boomeranged leading to the defeat of NDPP candidate Chumben Murry.

Reportedly the issue figured at party’s brainstorming session after Lok Sabha polls and was flagged off by a few senior leaders. There is no confirmation yet on what the final decision has been taken. The concept of opposition-less regime was mooted as a mode of expressing willingness to make sacrifice including “readiness to shed power” in case the Naga Solution pact is inked.

During the 1990s when S C Jamir was the Chief Minister and even prior to that Nagaland government’s key apparatus – ministers and legislators – liked to call themselves ‘Bridge’ between underground and the central government. In later years under the Neiphiu Rio-rule, the term changed to ‘facilitators’.

In fact, before the so-called Opposition-less government was mooted; the Joint Legislature Front led by CM Rio and Speaker (changed from time to time) took up the cause and at least on the face value told the Govt of India more than once that all 60 MLAs are together and united to pave the way for Solution. 

But slowly, it has come to light that the once upon a time well perceived ‘opposition-less’ dispensation is now a selfish agenda. To many it is to seek something.

At least this is what a powerful and influential section of NDPP leaders believe.

'Nagaland Page'

The argument being put forward is that now the Chief Minister is under immense pressure – often even by illogic argument – to accommodate all 60 MLAs as ministers and advisors. Some parties are taking a line that all are supporting NDA leadership of Narendra Modi and hence should be made ministers in Nagaland.

But those opposing the concept of ‘opposition-less’ government say the NDPP has also suffered at the organisational level due to this. The MLAs from other parties contested and defeated both NDPP and BJP candidates but in such constituencies they are ‘bosses’ and often undermine and discriminate the booth level NDPP and BJP workers.

Of course, the church role played a part in the win of Congress nominee and an underdog S Supongmeren Jamir. But the ‘ground reality’ suggests in many constituencies and villages, NDPP and BJP workers decided not to back the NDPP or the PDA’s official nominee Murry.

The “Ministerial Berth” as a concept is a beautiful or rather a very tempting concept. But this is also a link between “greed” and “performance” and in most cases the former takes precedence. 

But it is also a genuine argument that when an elected MLA – irrespective of whichever party he or she has won – if has spent Rs 40 crore or so; the people’s representative deserves an opportunity to get back his money.

This is where comes Politics. It is totally a world caught between mismatched policies and their endless impact. The Humpty Dumpty egg cannot go on forever.

So, one may have a season of enormous clashes.

The whole body of politics is today diseased and is unable to respond to the challlenges of modern times. The opposition-less regime possibly cannot go much ahead. 

Ends