Post truth politics in Manipur

Memphis Kipgen *

An election campaing by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Langjing Achouba ground on 25th February 2017 :: Pix - Shankar Khangembam

Formidable issues against the backdrop of electioneering in Manipur are the controversial Framework Agreement (FA) signed on 3rd August 2015; the indefinite economic blockade on the two lifelines of the people against the creation of seven new districts; and the 15 long years of alleged corruption by the Congress.

Categorically, these issues could be centrifugated in lines of vote-weights it could generate. The most decisive factor of vote-generation could be undoubtedly the chronic connection of FA & the blockade issue.

Given the fact that every political issue arising from the state or outside the state has been affecting Manipur, the political development in Manipur is rather paradoxical per se.

In the current scenario, the core concept of development and the like has been gradually substituted by the issue of territorial integrity. Two rival national parties, i.e., Congress and BJP, are playing the blame-game which would be politically beneficial in terms of securing more votes.

In the mean time, the smaller parties are gaining grounds in terms of accountability which serves the purpose of development and change. To mention few, it would be the PRJA, LJP, etc.

A situation has been developed in Manipur in which one is compel to choose between the issue of territorial integity and accountability. On the lines of territorial integrity it can be said that the tug of war on whose blame would fall is underway between the Congress and the BJP.

So literally it is one against the other lossening the rope so that the winners fall back. This is exactly what is happening, now that the electioneering is wholly based on the absence of ideas, beliefs, transformation and change. Manipur is devoid of righteous politics right now.

Smaller and nascent parties like PRJA have the potential to do fairly well. Their footsteps on the path of election sound positive. The fact that they took an oath not to manipulate developmental funds if elected seems to bring a political vibe of fairness. In this conflicting situation where all hope lies in the two rival parties in forming the next government, it is pertinent to note the political fabric developing among smaller parties.

As Lincoln stated, democracy is of the people by the people and for the people. Ironically, the connotation of democracy in Manipur is unique in the sense that it goes rather well opposite to what Lincoln said: of the powerful, by the powerful and for the powerful. In this condition the BJP would sense a glimpse of hope as the 15 long years of government was with the Congress.

But none can be so positive to the extent that BJP is free from voters’ apprehension. The people of Manipur still have to work out on the confusion of territorial integrity and accountability so that each vote is casted with satisfaction.

The political race has been tremendous. With the Congress government pursuing recruitment drive just before the model code of conduct came into force and the inauguration of new revenue districts. It could be question: why in the final days of its 15 years rule?

On the sideline, the BJP can also be definitely question on the inclusivity of Manipur in Asian highway sanctioning 22,000 crore rupees. Does it really mean an exclusive beneficiary status to Manipur or just an accomplishment of ‘Act East Policy’? The FA which is conceived is a one page paper, as asserted, yet its hideout will always means insecurity to territorial integrity of manipur.

It is time for the state to taste the operation of party ideology as its core aspect vis-a-vis personality driven election, to bring collective responsibility for better outcome. With emphasis on spirit and letter of party ideology, collective-concrete-action is favourable.

While voters pay heed in choosing with their subconscious mind and cast their votes with their own fingers. In Manipur, for long politics transcends beyond humanity. The gradual rise in whistle blowing is anticipated to become an antithesis to status quoist politics.