Gherao, Sabotage & Politics
In recent months we have several gheraos, the most shocking being that of Manipur by Naga Groups, due to which Manipur suffered acutely for the survival of its people. There was a gherao by Jats of western UP that stopped water supply of South Delhi for a day. Gujjars of Rajasthan resort to this tactic off ans on.
During such situations governments --both at the centre and the states --become mute spectators waiting for each other to move first. Some of these may be genuine, to express the grievances but, most of the times, these involve pressure tactics to get their demands fulfilled.
Why can't Nagas be convinced that their demand for greater Nagaland is not tenable? Why Gujjars can not be told in plain terms that they cannot be included in the scheduled tribe category? However, the demand of Jats of western UP to include them in OBCs may be granted sooner or later as Jats, in the neighboring states have given them the status.
The Central government may be pumping thousands of crores of rupees in the north-east but it has mostly ignored the developments there and succumbing only to pressure tactics. We all are aware how small states were carved out there. The Gujjars are a pampered lot and, because of vote bank politics, no political party can ignore them (they form about 12% of Rajasthan's population plus some pockets of influence in the surrounding states, including Delhi). Again sooner than later they may be offered a special package in jobs and education. Jats do not form the constituency of Congress, but the day Ajit Singh decides to join hands with Congress, their concerns too will be met.
The question however is : How long this vote bank politics continue? How long these political goons be allowed to take law and order into their hands? But most importantly How long will we keep ignoring the North-eastern states? Probably, till the time these states don't raise the banner of revolt.
During such situations governments --both at the centre and the states --become mute spectators waiting for each other to move first. Some of these may be genuine, to express the grievances but, most of the times, these involve pressure tactics to get their demands fulfilled.
Why can't Nagas be convinced that their demand for greater Nagaland is not tenable? Why Gujjars can not be told in plain terms that they cannot be included in the scheduled tribe category? However, the demand of Jats of western UP to include them in OBCs may be granted sooner or later as Jats, in the neighboring states have given them the status.
The Central government may be pumping thousands of crores of rupees in the north-east but it has mostly ignored the developments there and succumbing only to pressure tactics. We all are aware how small states were carved out there. The Gujjars are a pampered lot and, because of vote bank politics, no political party can ignore them (they form about 12% of Rajasthan's population plus some pockets of influence in the surrounding states, including Delhi). Again sooner than later they may be offered a special package in jobs and education. Jats do not form the constituency of Congress, but the day Ajit Singh decides to join hands with Congress, their concerns too will be met.
The question however is : How long this vote bank politics continue? How long these political goons be allowed to take law and order into their hands? But most importantly How long will we keep ignoring the North-eastern states? Probably, till the time these states don't raise the banner of revolt.
I think the issue has raised bar of vote-bank politics... i think its something more... something which is unseen. I have a friend from political background and i can sense the urgency of need to stop the enthusiasm and encouragement we, "the common people" give to this so called white collared politicians... for their deeds...
ReplyDeletewe are our destructor....