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Congress base in northeast crumbling

Ensuing Lok Sabha polls are going to be a tough battle for the Congress party in the north-eastern region. The reason behind such assumption is the poor handling of sensitive issues by the party leaders in almost all the states of this region. Recent developments in the political arena clearly indicate that the party is ‘nervous’ because of political alliances of various parties to fight the mal-administration in the states’ affairs. So far Assam is concerned the alliance for the elections between Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) has made the party afraid of crumbling its continuous rule for eight years in the state. Besides, emergence of Assam United Democratic Front (AUDF) in a big way is also a matter of concern, because it has made inroads in the vote banks of the Congress. The party leaders seem to be ‘suspicious’ about the change of guards at the Centre also under the present scenario.

The problems relating to the people of the state have not been redressed by the state government, although the publicity of the ‘achievements of Assam’ in the media had been highlighted regularly. Criminal activities in the state have increased and state’s police department has failed to bring the ‘real culprits’ to book. The foreigners’ influx, unemployment, scarcity of water, power, shelter and other basic amenities have increased day by day and the government has failed to provide remedy to the citizens’ grievances. Instead its role is alleged to divide the people and create misunderstandings among various tribes and communities on false propaganda for safeguard of their vote banks. The disputes relating to interstate borders remained unsettled to be taken up at a time when no other issues remain pending to politicize. Reports from Assam – Nagaland border are pouring continuously about the encroachment of forest lands of Assam by Nagaland authorities, but no action has been taken by Assam government to protect its territory.

The neighboring Meghalaya state has come under President’s rule due to differences of opinion between Assembly speaker and the Governor of the state. The Union cabinet allegedly made ‘unconstitutional decisions’ by toppling a democratic government already having won a vote of confidence. The ruling and opposition parties are now knocking the door of the courts. The UPA government at the Centre is alleged playing such game out of frustration.

The militants’ problems of the northeastern states till now remain unresolved. Manipur, Nagaland and Assam states’ people are facing continuous threat to their lives and properties. But the state leaders are much more concerned for their own security, leaving the innocent people to die. Agitations by different tribes and communities are on seeking ST/SC status and government jobs. Agricultural and industrial backwardness of these states have incited the local youths to take up arms in their hands. The politicians are utilizing their services for their personal gains. The callous attitude of administration has compelled them to take such heinous crimes like kidnappings, murders and extortions etc

The people of these states seem to be fade up with present situation and wish to lead a peaceful life. They want peace in real sense and not the ‘publicity of the peace’. A change seems imminent and that is the reason the Congress kingdom is crumbling.
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Daya Nath Singh's picture

Journalist; Guwahati Press Club office Secretary

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