DIPHU, April 10 : As the date for the first phase of Lok Sabha election is drawing near, electioneering is gaining momentum in Karbi Anglong and NC Hills for Diphu (ST) Parliamentary constituency.
Political parties who have fielded their candidates have started their mudslinging game. All the six candidates vying for election are claiming their victory by blaming each other and making a promise to the voters for development of the people of Karbi Anglong and NC Hills if voted to power.
Ironically, their promise has become a million dollar question for the innocent voters. The AGP and BJP alliance and ASDC’s long-pending issue for Autonomous State is a major hurdle for the Indian National Congress in this election. Apart from this, the new land policy and creation of Hamren as police district etc. is making the task tougher for Biren Singh Ingti, INC candidate.
The new land policy passed on July 13, 2007 by the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) bars sale, purchase, mortgage, lease, barter etc. from non-tribal to non-tribal, tribal to non-tribal etc. It has therefore become costlier for INC. Consequently, non-Karbi votes have started eroding from the INC bastion. On the other hand, the creation of Hamren subdivision as police district might erode INC vote.
Despite assurance that the new land policy has been withdrawn, the non-Karbis continuously demands while paper on the issue. The new land policy which divert the ownership right over their own land has sown a seed of discord among the community. The assurance of KAAC and INC leaders is still incredulous for the people. As a result, INC will have to pay the price in this election.
Apart from these, the disgrantled leaders dissatisfied with Biren Sing Ingti leaving no stone unturned to take revenge. The party leaders on the condition of anonymity said the sitting MP has made it family politics with the connivance of Khorsing Ingti. HAD Minister and it is any turn to take revenge from these two leaders. We love the party ideology, but not the leaders of the district, the disgrantled leaders said.
Above all, the role of the sitting MP during his tenure by keeping silent in the Parliament has proved his inefficiency due to his old age. We are trying to find another option, the youth workers said.
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