T R Zeliang, Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu and other NPF stalwarts were in a jovial mood when they announced in Kohima on Monday the formalisation of the “Opposition-less government”. But kindly mark this—in the event of the theme-colour of the “Opposition-less government” becomes other than that of the NPF the Rooster party with its political elegance and relevance in today’s Naga world, winning the hearts of men, women and children with its verve and dash all this while, will lose its charm—there is a strong apprehension that the ideological moorings of the NPF is on the verge of dilution. Yes, whenever they conveniently argue that “Opposition-less government” will garner stronger impetus in pushing the Naga political issue, one is impressed by the kind of positivity the people at the helm exhibit. We know “this is not a time for second thoughts or worrying about political consequences”, but if accommodative politics dilutes its regional (Naga) flavor then the Rooster will start barking instead of crowing. The mood question is—can the NPF remain as the theme-colour in the so called “Opposition-less government?”This column has been advocating that regional parties are formed to serve the regional interests. Due to pernicious ideology of the bigger parties the urge to have regional parties crop up. By this logic, regional parties cannot be too accommodative.
Another case in point is—hobnobbing with the bigger political parties with compromising approach often dilutes the sanctity of regional parties. We have witnessed this in the country. Solely driven by the survival politics the NPF may lose its charm (of being the Naganess or Naga centric) if accommodative politics becomes too accommodative. Accommodation of parties whose ideologies contradict the Naga interest is bound to damage the (Nagas) emotional linkage with NPF that has been developed over the years. Once this stage is reached then the danger lurks.
NPF is considered by many not as a mere political party. It is one of the principal agents of the Naga movement. But if the leaders at the helm think they are politicians and start behaving like those usual politicians, they are making mistakes.
At this juncture the NPF ignoring the reason why it is voted by the people to power for three consecutive terms can affect the Naga movement.
The need to have a strong Naga based regional political party will be a matter of necessity as long as the Naga political issue is not settled. The NPF should not provoke the Naga people to question the basic premise for the formation of the party. The ideologues of the NPF have injected strong Naga national fervour in the party. This motif should not be diluted at this critical juncture.
