ELECTIONGIRL

Much has been said about our politicians. Especially the ones who have represented us over the years. Even more so, the so called “old breed of politicians”- the ones who are clearly reflections of the choice we make once every five years.  And afterwards, they are also the ones we point fingers at, for the lack of every social or economic development. The last few weeks were made of money talks. Somehow every conversation or update on social media leads to it. Of votes being sought, sold and bought. Of people coming forward, carelessly offering their votes in exchange of something. More often, it’s money, but also vehicles and promises sometimes. And at any cost they want it NOW. Or the candidate does not get the votes. Not too long ago, we talked about “a new breed of politicians”. Clearly, the existing politicians have failed us. So much so, this unhealthy trend has- much to our disappointment- grown, and is dishearteningly flourishing in our land. Listening to election anecdo

Of late, everybody has started talking about "change". From political candidates to people from every walk of life. As if we have suddenly woken up from a deep slumber, and "change" is the only thing that can save our lives. Come to think of it, we have survived a “wretched political system” that should have been changed a very long time ago.  I remember old folks narrating about the early days. How different and simpler the assembly elections used to be in those days. They say villagers would go to the extent of contributing whatever they could- pigs, rice, and the like- to the candidate, so he can host his supporters when elections come by. How united people were then in raising a capable leader of their own! No fights. No enmity. No grudges. No demands- personal or otherwise. No promises for contract works, jobs, or financial assistance. But simple and pure honesty-a straight-from-the-heart vote without expecting anything in return. And I thought to myself

The stark reality of politics in Nagaland is that we have never had a woman MLA. And this, despite the fact that all these years, we have been proudly claiming to have treated our women equally. True, she may be better off in many aspects. She may be allowed to pursue education, to follow her dreams, to even marry the man of her choice, but we all know with absolute certainty that when it comes to politics (or even the apex tribal organisations for that matter), a woman's place is never, ever given, or considered with seriousness. Whether we like it or not, agree or disagree, the patriarchal system of our society is deeply rooted in us. And the lack of women participation in the highest level of decision making body in the state is a sheer reflection of this sad reality. But this time around, we see the emergence of women candidates (however little the percentage of their participation still is) and it feels like a good start considering that this number of five women filing

The announcement of the 2018 Assembly Elections in Nagaland, although marred by uncertainty and confusion, has long created excitement. More than ever, men gather to talk politics now. The common man in the street, passengers in a public transport, families and friends either at home or outside, folks in the village, and everywhere else, politics reign. Talks have lingered over the holidays. Intending Candidates visiting homes, people, places, all over again. This has become an accepted tradition. Their presences are more seen and heard now than any other time of the year or rest of the five, dull years. Amazing how the ensuing elections can change everything, overnight. There is so much care and concern all of a sudden. Interestingly, everybody, or most people anyway, have become a sensitive lot- What did I gain in the last five years by voting for him? What did he do for me and my family? What job did he provide for me or my loved ones? These are questions that are doing the rou