Editor,
During the AAPSU election process, a leaked audio recording claimed that the election commission secretary demanded Rs 5 crore from a presidential candidate in exchange for approval of his candidacy during the vetting process. This, coupled with the violence at Dera Natung Government College, has once again drawn attention and sparked controversy.
However, election violence and money-driven elections are not new; they represent a longstanding and deeply ingrained practice. The AAPSU is the most influential student organisation in Arunachal Pradesh; its leaders frequently transition to mainstream politics (many legislators and ministers started their careers here). When the ‘youth voice’ is perceived as corrupt, disillusionment across the state deepens, further eroding confidence in the state election commission.
The Rs 5 crore payment in the recording suggests that the election has excluded non-wealthy candidates, attracting only those with substantial financial resources or powerful supporters. This encourages the AAPSU and parliamentary election winners to recoup costs through contracts, appointments, or influence gained after seizing power, effectively commodifying the election.
CM Pema Khandu had previously condemned the AAPSU’s violence and called for reforms, but to no avail. The intertwining of violence and money will exacerbate the election conflict. It is time for the government to respond, urging all candidates and supporters to remain calm and united and patiently await the investigation results. Meanwhile, a thorough investigation of the election commission is needed to prevent corruption.
Likha Tana