[ Taba Ajum ]
Though nothing is being stated officially, the political circle of the state is abuzz with the possibility of yet another political coup. No one is saying how and when it is going to happen, but uncertainty has gripped the state for the last two months.
There is constant talk of ‘government gir raha hain,’ and it seems to be the favourite topic of discussion everywhere, including picnic spots. But what people miss is that this kind of political instability is not good for the state in the long run. It severely affects the developmental process, and we have seen its negative impact in the last two years.
Ever since late Kalikho Pul started the dissidence movement against the Nabam Tuki-led Congress government in the middle of 2015, the state has witnessed several political crises. Pul, who eventually toppled Tuki, was himself later dislodged in a ruthless coup by Pema Khandu.
There was hope that, with the reins of the state in the hands of the highly educated and well-travelled young Chief Minister Pema Khandu, the state would finally witness political stability. But within six months, rebellion broke out against his leadership and Palin MLA Takam Pario emerged as his bitter rival for leadership.
Since then political uncertainty has engulfed the state, and this definitely is hurting the progress of the state.
According to several past and present MLAs, unequal distribution of funds is cited as the main reason for the constant political rebellion.
The MLAs are totally dependent on state government funds to carry forward their development agenda, and when the fund-flow is stopped, mutiny breaks out against the leadership. Usually, whoever occupies the power in the state punishes their rivals by blocking funds, and creates multiple hurdles to make life miserable for the rivals.
Unless Arunachal Pradesh finds a leader who is ready to rise above politics, tribe and regionalism, this kind of political instability will continue to haunt the state. The matter is further complicated by the negative role played by several ‘professional’ trouble-creators who deliberately create political uncertainty for their personal benefit. This bunch of people will plant stories and try to generate political differences among the leaders. They draw power from the political bosses, and their survival is dependent on the position occupied by their bosses.
Now there is talk that if the Khandu-led government survives the present crisis, they will not release a single penny to the constituencies of their rivals; on the other hand, Pario’s supporters are also talking of revenge, if they manage to topple the regime.
In both the cases, it is the people of the state who will suffer due to the political slugfest between the rivals.
It’s a tragedy that ordinary citizens have to pay a heavy price because of the actions of their political representatives. The citizens should not be deprived of developmental programmes just because their MLAs belong to certain camps or groups.
