The Problem of Mainstream Politics in Manipur

In a peripheral state such as Manipur, using the term mainstream has a chance of becoming a misnomer, for the simple reason that everything is away from the Centre in this part of the world. So, by this term, for no other reason it is but I would like to refer it to the electoral politics, in which a maximum number of the public participate in this over-hyped, once-in-a-five-year affair.

Earlier this year, or 10 March 2022 to be precise, the result is out and the BJP has won by a majority by getting 32 seats in the 60-member Manipur State Assembly. The elections were held in two phases and a record 88.63% cast their vote in Phase 1 that was held on 28 Feb and the Phase 2 held on 5 March recorded an equally high percentage of 76.62% voter turnout.

This number, to begin with, is the contradiction of the Manipuri life. This province in one of the Indian peripheries is known for many reasons, most notably as a conflict zone when it comes to politics. It is a place where even in this 21st century, certain sections of the population are still fighting for the right to self-determination. For clarity, it is totally a different story how the militants are induced to be used as foot soldiers:

The Congress...alleged that Manipur’s BJP-led government paid over Rs 16.6 crore to some militant groups in peace mode in violation of the election model code of conduct to ensure the party retains power in the state. (3 March 2022, The New Indian Express)

If we accept that the so-called radicals have sold their souls to the devil, then it is no surprise that they no longer enjoy the privilege of acceptance and validation from the public like it used to get in the first three decades of their existence from the Sixties to the Nineties. It will be a fallacy to compartmentalise all the militants in one group but that's how the reality is now these days.  

THE ISSUE

For a long time, people used to believe that politicians have only excelled in licking the boots of the power that be in New Delhi. It is still true -- if there's a Congress government at the Centre, it is highly likely that there will be a similar government in Manipur; and likewise, it's true for BJP, or for that matter, for any party. 

Political experts have been using an expression to explain this miracle: when it rains in Delhi, they use an umbrella in Manipur. In the recently concluded election, BJP has gained a majority. No surprise! And people believe that this slavish system is a major issue. Perhaps, it is true but we cannot ignore the fact that it is just the tip of the iceberg. For instance, more than muscle power, it is an open secret that the election results blow in the direction of the wind created by money. That is also not an issue.

The problems are with some of the issues: 

• Kurta-pyjama
• Etymologies of Rajniti and Bidhan Sabha
• The new-breed flock of people and their obsession with Ji
• The access to the State coffer
• Political dumbfuckery (of the public)

THE ISSUES

I remember an instruction from my school days. A long time ago, we were told that the colour white represents purity and integrity, and hence we have white shirts as a school uniform. Apparently, people have used this colour in the Indian tricolour flag to represent peace and truth. To use a cliché, nothing can be further from the truth.

This colour is still pure and innocent but you will be missing the woods for the trees if you are going by the overt meanings. Take the example of the Manipuri politicians who have seemingly taken a pledge that the only way to become an Indian is to dress like the ruling class of the Centre. Maybe, Hinduism has also helped reinforce the subliminal idea. Of all the colours, it cannot be white. That's a problem with their attire -- first of all, we are what we wear and there is a deep sense of imitation. This reminds us of the popular saying: Slaves dream not of freedom, but of becoming masters.

We also have one of the most well-known statements from the Pedagogy of the Oppressed: The oppressed, instead of striving for liberation, tend themselves to become oppressors.