Unsound politics

 If there was any misgiving behind formation of the opposition-less legislative assembly to birth the all-party government, titled as ‘United Democratic Alliance (UDA)’ in September this year, it was seen in action by the media persons and visitors at the recently concluded 9th session of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly. It was the second time in the history of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) that members from both aisles formed an opposition-less democracy. The first was in 2015 when the eight opposition Congress legislators joined the NPF-led NDA-III coalition government. It was also deemed to be in the interest of Naga political issue. The UDA, comprising of ruling Progressive Democratic Alliance(PDA) coalition- NDPP, BJP and Independent, shed their pretence of being one of the pillars of democracy- where the coming together was an alibi. Of course, the coming together may have to do with Naga political issue since regional parties in the state have unfailingly claimed to be championing the cause of peaceful solution; but in the two cases, that is just part of the story. Merely discussing any matter cannot be anything else but only fulfilling the formalities. In a true democracy, there is not only enlightened discussion but debate so that the decisions or performances or non-performances of the party in power is exposed. This is a requirement of democracy- keeping a check on the government. There were some serious issues such as Lokayukta (Amendment no 2) Bill and money bills which were introduced to the house for passage etc. The nascent Rising People’s Party(RRP) has criticised the all-party government for not doing justice in passing the bills without thorough discussion. Even prior to passage of the bills, the issue of excess teachers in the Department of School Education(DoSE) should have brought the house down since it comes not too long after a huge scam was detected in 2004 involving teachers’ appointment. Even as the house was in session, the local media was highlighting worrisome developments within some Naga factions, as stakeholders of the Naga political issue. Since the UDA constituents claim that it was formed for Naga political issue; it should have been important enough for discussion. Also, among the most highlighted issue was the home department notification for nomination for constitution of advisory councils to UBLs. Civil Society Organisations and ward council members opposed the proposed nomination of candidates for the advisory councils to the ULBs. Perhaps, the house could have discussed the matter as it has aroused much public interest and concern so as to highlight what the people’s highest decision making body felt. Earlier, the government had gone some distance in agreeing to enact the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN) but took the longer route of consultations after consultations and forming of committee after committee. This issue should have been properly discussed in the house so that the elected representatives enlightened each other about the issue since the government had initially indicated its willingness to enact a bill. The house could have also discussed its proposal for minor relaxation to the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act 1989, which is a hot topic including the double taxation issue by government agencies in Dimapur. All these are being ignored as political party leaders in Nagaland suffer from delusion that giving top priority to Naga political issue absolves them from responsibility of governance. It is clear that, people are paying the price for devaluation of elections for the past decades.