ELECTIONGIRL

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 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...