Between Manipur and Nagaland - How and which one is 'Ram Rajya' ?

Nirendra Dev *

"It’s the honest ones you want to watch out for".

Keep the religiosity far off; and we realise that the easiest English translation of 'Ram-Rajya' is the best of Good Governance -- an utopian administration where everyone is just happy, living blissfully and also prosperous. Between two NDA ruled states - Manipur and Nagaland - which one will fall under this 'happy' category?

This is not a journalistic mischief to attract readers. But it is a way of acknowledgement how has the government(s) in both the states managed so far to deal with multiple challenges on multiple fronts? Do either of the regimes - one headed by N Biren Singh and the other by NDPP leader Neiphiu Rio have a firm grip on the political, economic and security situation in the respective provinces?

There are troubles, hurdles and multiple challenges — from the opposition, "political allies" and also from growing public discontent. On the other hand, there is a cost-of-living crisis and the punishing burden of taxes -- extortion in Nagaland and compounded with central taxes such as the GST.

In Manipur, there is a surge in security threats. Take a closer view and Manipur is in headlines from time to time. In the case of Nagaland; most headlines are national headlines. At the local level the Lok Sabha lawmaker S Supongmeren Jamir is hitting headlines at times. Lately, he triggered a debate when he said the so-called Opposition-less government tantamounts to murder of democracy.

On the other hand, in Manipur, Chief Minister Biren Singh like Narendra Modi, is showing no mood to take the Opposition in confidence in dealing with the crisis that has hit the state since May 2023 -- that is 14 months earlier. Biren Singh targets the opposition for all the ills that are plaguing the state.

In Nagaland, Rio played a clever game and has established a so-called Opposition-less government. Here, everyone is happy -- at least assumed to be. The state Governor should be happy as there is no chance of good old corridors of power games as happened in Karnataka, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh under Modi and can possibly happen again in Bengaluru.

Rahul Gandhi is not visiting the state and seeking an audience with him. Chief Minister Rio is 'always happy' as he has as many as 59 MLAs endorsing his leadership. He is actually the only Naga leader who is enjoying such consensus in the legislature and for such a long period.

T R Zeliang got a taste of the same for a brief period and technically even Shurhozelie. But if we take the clock back to the 1990s -- Late Vamuzo headed the first non-party JLP front government and for the first six months he was not even a legislator. Thanks to S C Jamir-led machinations of course.

But in 2024 -- all MLAs and ministers are 'happy'. Otherwise why no one called for a soul search and so-called post mortem meeting even when elected MLAs could not or did not vote and the ruling side's candidate lost.

In far off Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath has come under pressure but such accountability yardsticks are not heard from Imphal, Kohima and even Shillong - where Meghalaya CM's sister Agatha Sangma also was humbled.

Coming back to Nagaland; apparently everyone is happy. Post Lok Sabha polls- church should be happy that RSS and Modi has been taught a lesson. Of course, the BJP also should be happy as it could win 25 seats in ULB polls and 'Hindutva' was forgotten by then.

The state BJP leaders are also happy and more so after the state could file a petition in the Supreme Court on Oting misadventures. LJP, NCP, NPP and even NPF leaders could be thinking should they contest 2028 assembly polls on Congress ticket.

What about public organisations such as the GB Federation and NCT?

The NCT could be revived despite artificial and some natural hurdles. Here lies a ray of hope for those Naga leaders who were working seriously for an early Solution.

Left to them and if we can quizz even leaders such as Alezo Venuh and N Kitovi Zhimomi are also 'happy' and are displaying patience as the NNPG continues. Some friends outside Nagaland are also happy. Whether Supong wins or Modi loses 63 seats - the "inflow" of funds continues unabated.

In Manipur - Biren Singh is also 'happy' as far as the Naga angle goes.

Some non Naga business people may be unhappy -- allegedly 'only temporarily'. For they are running to Khatkhati and 'buying' peace easily ! And the media ? - Well, we grow up into maturity to know sooner that being happy is only a state of mind.

“Me? I’m dishonest, and a dishonest man you can always trust to be dishonest. Honestly. It’s the honest ones you want to watch out for".
- These words from the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' are worth reflecting on.