The two most common word often heard in Nagaland is ‘CORRUPTION’ and ‘BACKDOOR APPOINTMENT’ although the latter also categorically falls under Corruption. The successive Government of DAN (Democratic Alliance of Nagaland) which was started by Mr. Rio who also now heads the PDA (People’s Democratic Alliance) Government has engaged in all sorts of exploitative means to devour Nagaland. Mr. Rio who after not only emptying the State Exchequer but also leaving it in deficit to the tune of thousand of crores has returned to Nagaland to continue his old tricks of deceit after his endeavor to graze in a green pasture was unsuccessful.
There was huge expectation when the PDA Government was installed amidst great pomp and gaiety. This was mainly because of the new faces in the Government particularly the Youths who were once vociferous to end Corruption in our State and not because of our faith in the PDA leader. This expectation was however, short lived starting with the 1st Cabinet Meeting where the decision was taken to change the name of Indira Gandhi Stadium to Dr. T.Ao Stadium. This decision is now kept in abeyance after stiff opposition from various quarters. Perhaps, an achievement to be rejoiced by the public!
The quashing of Parliamentary Secretaries by the Supreme Court following the PIL filed by an Assam citizen was a great setback for Nagaland legislators. But the Nagaland MLAs ingeniously came up with the post of Advisors which is more or less the same as Parliamentary Secretaries since these Advisors also enjoy ‘Office of Profit’ and heads several departments which is a clear violation of Article 164(1A) and Article 191 (1) (a) of the Indian Constitution. And as if that is not enough, the PDA Government has taken yet another shameful step by appointing heads of ‘POLITICAL PARTIES’ as Minister of State, while some with Cabinet Minister Status. This is a gross violation of the Supreme Court’s order and a direct challenge to the Highest Judiciary of the Country. The Governor of Nagaland instead of being ‘Pleased with the approval’ put forth to him should have disposed the proposal and sent the report to the ECI. But the very Governor who is known for taking sides with the BJP Government has once again shown his chameleon characteristics.
The haphazard appointment of heads of Political Parties as MoS and Cabinet Minister Status clearly reflects the PDA Government’s contempt for the people which elected it to power. Every Tom, Dick and Harry can now enjoy the same privileges a Cabinet Minister enjoys if he/she has close ties with the ruling Government without having to face the hassle of election. This also portrays where our people stands and how crazy we are for power and fame after all, these posts have been created to satiate the unquenchable thirst of the power mongers. The General Public of Nagaland are neither interested nor wants to know on what grounds those people were elevated because it is unconstitutional. Rather, it is our demand that they be removed at the earliest either through ethical or unethical means.
It has been barely one and half months since the inception of the PDA Government and if it continues with its indefatigable attitude of formulating and implementing Anti- People policies then it will definitely cost them hugely. The people of Nagaland should rise above clans and tribes and voice out together against the injustices meted out to us. We can no longer afford to remain silent while we are being exploited constantly. We need to show our resentment against the Government for all the wrongs that it had done. ACUAT and PSAN has somehow been successful in its fight against the rampant Backdoor Appointment in Government offices. Now, together, let us stop this BACKDOOR APPOINTMENT IN THE NLA.
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