Congress looking for 'political bedfellow' in ensuing TNL polls
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Pamreiso Shimray

Ukhrul, September 09 2013: Is the Congress party really looking for "political bedfellow" in the Tangkhul Naga Long? A hush-hush talk is seriously doing the round in Ukhrul town that there is a whiff of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh's tactful involvement in the upcoming TNL polls.

There is little to wonder why the Tangkhul Hoho � as it is known at greater Naga forum, is getting polarized from politics.

To say it all, the TNL is the highest socio-political institution of the tribesmen.

For over the years, it also plays a decipherable role affecting the state affairs and Naga political movement.

A highly placed source said Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh has projected a potential candidate to be his political bedfellow in the TNL court and has reportedly rolled out his master strategies.

However, the man picked and blessed by the Congress party to run for the highest office in Ukhrul is still highly confidential.

Who can be that candidate for Congress in the TNL polls? The answer to this million-dollar query is very elusive.

Even in hotels from Ukhrul's Hamleikhong to Wino Bazaar, the debaters are not making a random guess during table discussion.

It's still a hush-hush talk.

On September 18, the Tangkhuls will vote to choose a man to lead the community for five years.

As on Saturday, the last date for filing nomination papers, a number of five candidates are in fray for the office of TNL president.

How is the Congress working out their master plans? According to a reliable source, the Chief Minister has reportedly given a strict instruction to members of the Ukhrul Autonomous District Council (UADC) to exercise their power and rein in the village chiefs under their respective constituencies.

Till this evening, however, it's yet to be gauged to what extent Ibobi has asked the two Congress legislators to act.

The CM, as informed by sources, has also spelt out that fund should not come as "adverse factor" for their candidate.

This time, as analysts agree, the potential involvement of political parties in the TNL polls is an interesting twist.

Is there any other political force at play? If yes, it could perhaps be Naga Peoples Front (NPF).

But as of now, the party has not shown any visible role.

In reckoning of the political game, to rule out the 'Hebron factor' would be very misleading and too early to say.

A close watcher of TNL affairs opined that the Naga group may not maintain laissez-faire in this matter, and will not remain idle once it confirms the role of its arch-rival party.

For better or worse, the 2013 hustings for TNL is set to witness some dramtic change.

On September 17, the candidates will make a public address at Ukhrul Town Hall and face the press � a new thing to see in the Tangkhul organisational history.

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