The free distribution of essential commodities by 'social workers'
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: July 26 2011 -

There has been a spurt of free distribution of essential commodities by aspiring political candidates which is not a welcome development. If such people had been engaged over the years and without political strings, even the implied variety, one can appreciate their actions.

However the tendency at present is that those who aim to contest the next general election is undertaking such actions as a means to canvass votes. This looks gimmicky to say the least.

What is the surety that those who have been recipients of these free distributions will feel obliged to cast their votes in a sense of gratitude? On the other hand this recent development impinges on the spirit of fair play as envisaged in the election code of conduct.

Have these people who are spending tens of thousands of rupees, if not in lakhs, have even declared their assets? And there is that thin red line separating the reasonings whether the actions are acts of Good Samaritans or efforts to 'buy' votes.

The problem has been compounded by the fact many local dailies carry photographs of programmes as if the news coverage is a carrying out of noble deeds. But this is not the truth.

If these people are not bothered with electoral politics and that their conscience lies with the hardship of the common lot, then why have not asked the local clubs and Meira Paibis to undertake the distribution of free essential commodities.

There could be pilferages no doubt, but then the limelight would be directed off him and the focus would have been on their deeds. It is also a humble suggestion that the local dailies agree to tone down the level of coverage of such unabashed canvassing of votes.

One group of people who could be marginalized will be those who could be good leaders of the people, but because of their lack of money power could end up being stigmatized as people without the wherewithal to succeed as leaders.

In the already murky waters of Manipur politics such acts could well be the ultimate pollutant.

It has now become the responsibility of the intelligentsia, the upright, the civic bodies and their leaders to take up the cudgels and ward off this mutant and malefactory form of electoral politics.

It will also be interesting to note the views of the Election Commission of India and the judiciary on this sour development.

If unchecked in time open bribes for ballots could be just around the corner.