Be alert, extremely important by-elections are coming up

Nongthombam Bishwajit *

This time, Thangmeiband and Thongju assembly constituencies are having golden opportunity to become the role model constituencies as a pioneer to make the electoral process a transparent and fair which does not go on money and other influence.

Even though it is the time to elect representatives for a short term, these elections are extremely important in the sense that it could lead people of the state in the right direction by choosing their right and qualified candidates of their choice.

Taking this opportunity, we must show the rest of the constituencies that the voters are now fully aware to choose genuine leaders who want to serve people sincerely. We must not choose those people who are pretending to be our leaders for their political or personal gains.

Let us take this advantage and lead the people in the right direction and make the candidates understand that voting right is the most powerful weapon of democracy not a thing which can be purchased by money easily.

It is the right time for us to recall the Delhi Legislative Assembly election which was held on 7 Feb 2015 to elect 70 members.

In the election, Aam Aadami Party (AAP) secured absolute majority winning 67 out of 70 seats.

Even though the Prime Minister started election campaign for BJP projecting lady retired IPS officer Kiran Bedi as Chief Ministerial candidate, Delhi witnessed the landslide victory of AAP proving the entire world that in a democratic country like India no power is stronger than peoples' mandate . In 2013 Delhi Assembly elections, AAP defeated then incumbent deep rooted Congress govt led by veteran congress leader Sheila Dixit.

Here, I m mentioning Delhi Assembly election as a distinct example that no force can oppress the power of people. It does not mean that AAP is the most powerful political party of the country. AAP wins the election because they secured the faith of Delhiites. It shows that whatever the party or how powerful the incumbent is people can change their fate.

My point is that learning a lesson from Delhi election we should think that our voting rights should not be sold out just for little money instead we should change our state as done by Delhiites.

If we sold out our voting right then we have no right to raise voice or punish our representatives when they indulge in corruption.

I m sure that corrupt practices done by bureaucrats will vanish in due course of time when there is ideal leaders who stood against corruption.

If we give up the habit of taking money for vote and follow the transparent way of voting only then real leaders will come up and the capitalists who are pretending to be leaders will vanish automatically.

Most important thing is that we should not fall in the trap of capitalists disguising as politicians. We should not create enmity among us thereby involving in violent activities during election times. Their problems will be solved in a minute by shaking hands with their rival or opponents but your enmity or grudge with your rival will remain forever.

Sometimes, even in a family, brothers and sisters are against each other for the sake of favouring their own choice of candidate. This also cause disintegration among us. But don't forget that there is no impossible in politics today's enemy of your leader may be his best friend tomorrow only you will fall in trap.

So, let's wake up and do not let use us as a tool by them to pursue their power during election time. No need to waste your valuable time in participating election campaign instead when polling day comes just cast your vote to your favorite candidate if any otherwise push the Non Of The Above Button showing you like non of the candidates in The fray. If NOTA gets largest vote then they will surely feel shame and new leaders will come up in the next election.

By the way, lets think again and again that money for vote is justified or not. If you want a corruption free Manipur then here comes your chance to become a pioneer in rooting out corruption from the grassroot level.

Deny money for vote in the coming by-election and be a proud voter in transforming the two assembly constituencies making admirable election for the next assembly elections to be held in 2017 and save Manipur from the jaws of capitalists.