Sensible Nomination For A Sensitive Berth

Seram Neken *

Abdul Salam :: Pix - Hueiyen Lanpai

Of course, the nomination of Abdul Salam for the lone Rajya Sabha seat of Manipur has guaranteed the long ignored rights of thousands of voters who have been disallowed to contest parliamentary elections. Other considerations of competency in the MP elect are yet to be seen when it comes to the debating hall. Active performance of the new MP in Rajya Sabha will prove sensibleness of the Congress Party.

Greek political philosophers such as Aristotle and Plato never endorsed democracy as they said "There is no hope for states unless power lies in the hands of those who know". Plato was of the opinion that standard of scholarly attainment could not be brought by numbers. In Indian democracy, quantity often overrides quality. Number matters in elections, whosoever is to be elected to whatsoever position.

Veteran politician Rishang Keishing will be succeeded by Haji Abdul Salam as the next Rajya Sabha MP of the state from April this year. The first Muslim MP from the state, 66 year old Abdul Salam would be the 16th Rajya Sabha MP of Manipur. Salam who hails from Wabagai Assembly Constituency in Thoubal district was elected to the State Assembly for three terms and held different ministerial posts besides being vice-president of MPCC and member of AICC.

Abdul Salam's home constituency is one of the seven Assembly segments whose residents can cast votes but cannot contest the election in Parliamentary polls. The long neglected rights of more than one lakh voters in outer constituencies of the valley have partially been fulfilled with this wise decision of the Congress Party. Questions on his fitness to represent the state in the Council of Elders have apparently been sidelined for obvious political maneuvering.

Although MPs hailing from Manipur could hardly make their presence felt regarding important national and international issues, they are supposed to at least open their mouths on burning state issues. The MP elect minority representative Haji Abdul Salam has put his priorities on Jiribam-Imphal railway project and development work of Imphal-Jiribam highway.

Besides pressurizing the House for increase of number of Lok Sabha seats, he would also lobby with the relevant authorities for proper delimitation ensuring that the residents of seven Assembly segments of Thoubal and Jiribam get their due rights to contest parliamentary polls. Now, it is for the people of the state to see whether the new parliamentarian transforms his words to actions as it has not been usual practice among most politicians of Manipur.

It is time to see the role of his good office in highlighting matters such as Sharmila's decade long journey to peace and freedom, the age-old border controversies and integrity of the state. Even though he fails to bring fruitful solutions on these myriad topics, he can at least convince the other parliamentarians on the merits of the issues with his wisdom and oration. This is what is expected of a parliamentarian – to speak out and win.

Membership in Council of States is no mere job. The state's burning issues and grievances need to be tabled on the House to attract the attention of the nation. He or she has a big say on various national and international matters too. Moreover, Upper House is a horde of merited personalities usually referred to as the House of Elders. A Rajya Sabha member, to have an effective representation, requires complete knowledge of the state and the nation in addition to acquiring oratory excellence.

Election of an MP for Council of States is more than electoral exercise as persons with knowledge and expertise in some fields fit for the post. It is presumed, as of now, that the experienced politician Abdul Salam belonging to Congress party has had all the required qualities of being a parliamentarian as he was in various ministerial berths and acted as Vice president of MPCC.

Really speaking, there is no dearth of experienced and knowledgeable personalities who are quite fit for the post. Among politicians, there are a number of learned, young and dynamic leaders who will handle matters in parliament.

Among the retired bureaucrats, professors and technocrats also, there are a number of persons who have acquired complete knowledge of Manipur and who can draw the attention of national leaders with their oratory excellence.

Parliament seats are not entirely meant for those who have already been in politics. The legislature may nominate anyone who it considers fit for the post as the MP of Rajya Sabha. It would also be a healthy exercise to explore the untapped talents of a number of Manipuris.

Nevertheless, this time the people of Manipur have to endorse the decision of the Congress Party in nominating a candidate like Abdul Salam – who represents minority community and a horde of long neglected voters of Thoubal and Jiribam. The wisdom of the Congress leaders lies here.