"The Art of the Possible" is a quote originally copy roght with Otto von Bismarck The statement means politics involves achieving the best feasible outcome, even if imperfect, requiring pragmatic skill rather than rigid ideals.
Bismarck remains famous for his role in German unification. During the German Imperial period, he became a hero to German nationalists, who built monuments honouring him.
Historians praise him as a visionary who kept the peace in Europe through diplomacy. However, he has been criticized for his domestic policies such as his persecution of Catholics as well as his authoritarian rule in general as Chancellor.
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| MNF boss Zoramthanga and blogger |
We are not discussing politics of Bismarck.
Let us talk about Mizoram politics. Well, Politics everywhere is seen as both an art -- practical application and human skill but it's also a science of governance --- focusing on collective decision-making. Here come the relevance of Zoramthanga, the veteran Mizo politician. A former lieutenant of legendary Landenga; Zoramthanga-led MNF was ousted out of power in 2023 by newly floated and a new experiment called ZPM. But within two years and a few months -- people in Aizawl already -- the regional outfit MNF has a fair chance of coming back to power in 2028.
In my brief interaction with him on the Republic Day; I quizzed - "What you have to say sir; everyone says you are coming back to power in 2028?"
Zoramthanga sported that infectious smile and said: "My Delhi friend; this is politics and it's an art of all the possibilities".
I asked -- "Are you being humble and a diplomat ? Can ZPM really survive till 2028 ... they have been losing elections after elections (by-elections at Dampa) and polls in a few autonomous district councils" ?
The former chief minister responded : "The same art of possibilities apply".
To the surprise of many, the MNF has done some deals at the local level at the Lai Autonomous District Council with the arch rival Congress party. I asked whether he considered --- this as a necessity often dictated by the theory 'Enemy's enemy is a friend' --- Zoramthanga said -- "This was dictated by the compulsion of numbers; my party won 8 seats, Congress got 7 and BJP had only two ... so I needed that collaboration at the local level.
This is only a need-based adjustment for the larger interests of our people". These rhetoric and snart replies apart -- at the Circular Lawn of Lok Bhavan; his fan following was at display. A number of ex servicemen, retired and serving officers and their families made a beeline to get snapped with Zoramthanga.
I complimented him saying - "Congrats ... this shows you are very popular". He grinned yet again.
ZPM leader and incumbent Home Minister K. Sapdanga told this blogger: "You cannot decide the political prospects of my party just by the yardsticks of a by-election and autonomous council polls. We are strong enough. And whatever necessary steps will be taken".
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| Mizoram Home Minister Sapdanga |
Mizoram politics these days appear at crossroads. The ZPM - that came to power generating much hope for a 'genuine change' - has turned out to be another run-of-the-mill stuff.
Citizens in Aizawl are generally doubtful whether the state's ruling party that won as many as 27 seats in the 40-member assembly may do well in the the fast approaching Aizawl Municipal elections.
"The ZPM was seen as a genuine third alternative to the MNF and the Congress. But the state's ruling party is now politically myopic. The state of affairs of governancce in Mizoram and the political mess is a case study in politics that no political outfit should promise moon," says educationist K Lalrupui.
He cites the examples of a series of local elections that chief minister Lalduhoma-led ZPM lost in the recent past.
According to him ZPM has been humbled in autonomous counil polls in as many as five regions - Sinlung Hill District Council, Phunchawng Village Council, Chakma Autonomous Council and also Lai-polulation inhabited Lawngtlai region.
They also lost Dampa by-election when ZPM nominee Vanlalsailova was humbled by MNF leader R. Lalthangliana.
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| New Dampa legislator Lalthangliana |
ends
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