There are times in history when Silence and Inaction can be a culpable wrong.
The people and the society in Nagaland seemed to have lost the memory of their past values. Consequently they have become disoriented and disinterested. People seemed to have lost their interests in politics and hence they have completely segregated it from their thinking and life. This is not the ideal thing to do.
But we cannot run away from realities. There can be no short-term Solution whatever to the problems people are facing.
Thoughts may take flight. People may bleed in verses. Conscience has done a vanishing act and the Soul may take shape in borrowed rhyme. In such situations; politicians have decided to indulge in a 'stage-like' exercise. The move is hardly political and borders around Gimmick; but it will have a deeper Long Term impact.
The NDPP-NPF merger was not the urgent necessity of October 2025 but yer that's the reality.
In 2023; on Oct 1 - at the annual convention day of the NPF; the then party chief Shurhozelie had cautioned -- "... Let us keep in mind that enemy within is worst than enemy outside." He made a veiled attack on the then NPF floor leader in the assembly - T R Zeliang.
Shurhozelie had lamented -- "... the team captain scored suicide goal and left the playfield with his team before time was up". He also shared other vital statistics --
-- ** Out of 21 MLAs (who quit NPF in 2022 join NDPP) -- 14 were axed "by theier masters" and denied ticket
*** -- Out of 7 who took NDPP tickets (in 2023 polls) -- four were defeated
*** Two out of the rest 14 chose 'other political parties'
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| present Dy CM under Rio -- T R Zeliang |
Now what happens to leaders like Zeliang in terms of consciousness remains to be seen.
But there is the 'other version' to the tale.
There is perhaps "nothing wrong" or even an ulterior motive behind the move for merger of NDPP with India's second oldest regional party NPF.
Media - those not loyal to NDPP - are probably reading too much. There is neither smoke nor fire.
** The typical refrain being - "If someone wants to join me ... I have to embrace... that's the natural element in politics. Here lies the moral strength of NPF.
** It is the second oldest regional party in India after DMK. Even Akalis in Punjab came much later. Even the BJP in new form came in 1980.
Some NPF leaders are more than excited. One of them said ---
"... A party with 32 MLAs is joining me... In 2023, you in media wrote us off. Our ideology is today the strongest response I can give".
The argument from this school of thought is --
-- "Contrary to argument being built up... both the parties NDPP and the NPF made a selfless decision.
Even in 2023, none could have predicted this.
***
This NDPP and NPF merger and retaining the Cock symbol will have a path breaking impact about Regional politics in north east India.
Another leader gave half political and half psychological response.
---
The world is changing ... politics of globalisation will backfire in many ways.
The corporate domination of capitalist economy will bring back relevance of smaller parties.
The world over people are clamouring for retaining of "native culture and pride".
Thus - this is the time actually to celebrate Naga Regionalism.
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| When camera does a 'mischief' : Cock symbol and blogger |
I interviewed another NPF source and I was told :
: "We are getting good response. My friends in many other states including Jammu and Kashmir,Tamil Nadu and Punjab are congratulating us".
Answering further queries, he said : "As a senior journalist covering north east, why you are not remembering the year 1996 when even a veteran Congressman Gegong Apang quit Congress and floated a regional party.
These may happen again in many states in the north east and also other parts of India.
Asked whether handing over the leadership to Neiphiu Rio is a right decision; the response was -- : "Why not ... ? We all have worked together. .. we are aware of his leadership qualities.
Fact sheet :
After Vamuzo government was dismissed and President's Rule imposed in 1992; NPC (earlier form of regional party) was out of power for 11 years.
Only in 2003; the regional force with support of 7 BJP MLAs and a few others could oust the Congress govt in 2003.
To a question that generally there is a perception that CM Neiphiu Rio has failed on many fronts as chief minister and especially on peace talks, the source argued : "Such allegations are easy to throw up. Naga talks is not a chief minister's baby".
** One classic statement came out during interactions --
"If you say a chief minister has failed, you have to admit all ministers have failed... But that may not be your case today".
Final words:
The history of empires and kingdoms often offer a distinct pattern.
** Almost all great political parties are born out of a strong but irresistible dream and against a strong leader.
On Aug 29th, 2022; when I met Shurhozelie in his residence -- he handed me a book 'Lest we forget'. It's on NPF's journey first in the form of DPN in the 1960s.
Shurhozelie had said -- "NPF will remain regional in character with national outlook. We will continue to play the role of the big brother (to BJP in Nagaland) with sincerity".
ends
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