Elections in iNDiA

Today is February 11th, 2012. Recently I came back from Manipur and witnessed the reality of our political campaigning culture. The practice of give-and-take Dokhina (or Dakshina in Hindi) has spilled over to our political campaigning. It is a common belief in Manipur that a Candidate cannot win an election without "gifting" money to his/her voters. I heard that some candidate/s, from the Thangmeiband Constituency in Imphal, Manipur were giving as much as INR5000 each to individual voters.

A Town "Hill" Meeting: Election Campaign in Naoriya Pakhanglakpa Constituency, Manipur

Where do all these money come from? Obviously, the regional parties don't do well in smaller states like Manipur precisely because Campaign funds (and Tickets) flow directly from New Delhi. The result is a vicious cycle of "give-and-take" once the elections are over. Example: there is a sewage line in Thangmeiband whose work started during the campaign, but is completely abandoned unfinished now that the elections are over.

Unending stream of Cash, Alcohol, and Bombs defines the Manipuri general election. Money buys many things. Does it also buys votes? That is a big question. I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with Member of Parliament Jay Panda, whose regional party has been on a rise in Orissa. He recently remarked at Harvard that "Money and Connections are a necessity but are not sufficient" to win elections neither in India nor in the United States." Connections perhaps could be a necessity given the nature of Politics, and leadership. But "Money"? I think it should never be a barrier to serve your own people, to lead your own fellow men and women.

Women's Campaign rally in Thangmeiband

I do agree that campaign finance reform is extremely needed. The Political entry barriers for middle class youth is enormous. Injecting India with new ideas and bold initiatives from the younger generation is a necessity. I hope that in the coming years, many capable Yuva leaders with clear vision for our communities emerge. Perhaps, by February 2022?

A Statue of Hijam Irabot at Manipur University: A Pioneer