Editor,
As the state assembly election approaches, we can see a lot of commotion around us. Many hotels are reserved for conducting private meetings, and people in groups from various districts are coming to the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR) to show their support to their candidates.
Aspiring candidates are visiting village to village, conducting joining programmes. In such a crucial time, what might government officials be doing? As part of a democracy, many of them might want to express their support for a particular candidate; yet they can’t voice their decision as they fear being transferred to far-flung regions.
As a result, most government officials remain mute spectators during elections. Threatening government staff with transfer and postings sets a bad precedent and should be immediately revoked. As part of a democracy, government staffers also have the right to exercise their adult franchise. Unless they are involved in the mismanagement of government machinery, they too possess the right to express their support for a candidate.
Sitting MLAs who are involved in threatening them with transfer and postings are indirectly hindering the election process, which is the essence of democracy. Such dirty games should cease. Let the elections be won based on the people’s mandate.
Muted government official