Cartoon-o-scope # 2

How many of you reader still remember that Arunachal Diary had earlier started a series called Cartoon-o-scope? Not many I guess.

So, here is another cartoon to continue the series. Enjoy!


The above cartoon is part of the series of caricature of the LS Election candidates, that I'm trying to do based on my observation of poll campaign speech and the candidates themselves. Watch out for this space for rest of the series.

Is the freedom of speech and expression being challenged?

Article 19 clause (1) sub-clause (a) of the Constitution of India guarantees to its citizen the right to freedom of speech and expression subject to reasonable restrictions (as laid down in Article 19, Clause (2)) on the exercise of this right relating to:

1. defamation;
2. contempt of Court;
3. decency or morality;
4. public order;
5. incitement to an offense;
6. security of the state;
7. friendly relation with foreign state;
8. maintenance of sovereignty and integrity of India.

But recently when Nabam Tuki, Minister PWD and UD and APCC President threatened to lodge an FIR against one Tana Takang for expressing his views in a popular local press media, it made me wonder if the 'Freedom of Speech and Expression' conferred to its' citizen by Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution has been challenged.

A brief history of the issue

In it's April, 08 edition, The Arunachal Times published a letter of one Tana Takang in its' 'Readers' Forum' column, wherein the author, apparently fed up with the political rhetoric dished out by the political parties and their candidates; allegations and counter-allegations during their campaign for LS polls appearing in the local dailies, had asked both the parties-ruling and opposition (read INC and BJP) to debate it out in a common platform in line of Presidential elections of US of A, so that the common masses could decide better and select the right candidate to represent them in the parliament. Well, this seem the core of the letter to me.

The letter, however, did not go down well with the ruling Congress Party and a press statement appeared the next day where APCC President Nabam Tuki threatened to lodge an FIR against the said person terming the letter was written with the intend to malign the area.

"Tuki further referring to a Readers' Forum published in this daily by one Tana Takang said that as per their observation, there is no such person residing in the said locality. He said that whoever is behind the letter was doing it with intend to malign the area and it needed to be punished as per law. The party will lodge an FIR against the said person to trace out the reality, he added."

-The Arunachal Times, 09-04-09 issue
under heading 'Sonia to address Itanagar rally'

After going through the statement of the Minister in the paper, my first reaction was how could anyone try to curb one's 'Freedom of Speech and Expression' by threatening. However, instead of reacting to the statement instantly, I decided to put aside my emotional outburst and try to see if the author had put reasonable restrictions as laid down in Article 19, Clause 2 while expressing his views or not. So I went through the said letter again, and I could not come up with anything objectionable that could have suggested that the author have not put 'reasonable restrictions' while expressing his views. Or have I missed something that others may find objectionable in the letter that might suggest that the author had not put reasonable restrictions? Go through the letter (reproduced below) for yourself and put in your comments if the letter was objectionable to attract the ire of APCC President and an FIR threat.



Was the letter intended to malign the area as put by the Minister?

Now coming to the Ministers' allegation that said person does not reside in the locality and that the letter was written with the intend to malign the area, in which case I guess the area under question is Chimpu, Itanagar, I could not quite comprehend how the letter was intended to malign Chimpu. Apart from mentioning Chimpu, Itanagar in the address, there is no mention of Chimpu, not even once in the body of the letter itself, whether with good intend or bad intend. :) And on their observation that letter was written by a person not 'physically' residing in the locality; does it really matter? In fact, I found the allegation quite flimsy and childish. The charge seem more of to bully the person who quite openly appreciated the opposition candidate through his letter.

So, is it the case of curbing one's freedom of speech and expression by bullying tactic or indeed the author of the letter has not put restraint while expressing his views?

Arunachal goes for re-poll

This was expected.

In a state where the Lok Sabha seats are almost always secured by the candidates of a ruling government and with a candidate, whose popularity amongst the masses rose to an extent that it threatened to crumble the 60 member team, it was expected that there would be instances of poll rigging, booth capturing and damage of EVM's during this Lok Sabha polls in the interiors of the 1-Arunachal West Parliamentary Constituency considering the fact that the security would be lax at the polling stations due to logistical problems owing to difficult terrain.

But it came as a surprise when majority of the polling stations, where re-polling was ordered owing to instances of booth capturing and damage of EVM's was from the polling stations situated in and around the state Capital and not from the interiors as was expected. Where was the security arrangement? It was reported that at each polling stations only 2 to 3 security personnel's were deployed. Did the administration thought that this arrangement would be enough to thwart any attempt of disturbing the poll process? Or was there shortage of security personnel to be deployed? But then, why additional para-military forces was not asked for, if that was the case?

Predictions for Lok Sabha Polls in Arunachal???

Sinlung has predicted that both the seats in Arunachal would be swept by BJP in this Lok Sabha polls.

But, what's the basis of their post and prediction?

Wished they had given the basis of their poll prediction...Sigh.

Awareness and Change is the need of hour says Rijiju

Quite frankly I had never attended or rather never tried to attend any election rallies in the state for I expected that there would be the same political rhetoric of development that the party has brought about which in actuality wouldn’t have been achieved; for there would be same political bashing of the opponent whether truth or cooked up; for we have known all the time that the contesting candidates are the same sheep in different garbs (read different political parties) and for they would be promising us stars which would vanish as soon as their sun shines.

But having heard so much about one particular candidate who had been named one of the most powerful debater in the opposition bench of the parliament earlier, who didn’t change his garb but stuck to his garb even when tempted to and who have been designated as ‘one man army’ in his quest for re-election to the same seat by the oh-so powerful party in the state having cent percent majority in the state assembly, I couldn’t stop myself from attending his rally to hear him live, what he has to offer/say. And yes, I’m talking about Kiren Rijiju, the BJP candidate from Arunachal (West) constituency who brought his campaigning trail to Ziro-Hapoli yesterday. And here I must tell you that I didn’t attended the rally because I’m staunch follower of BJP or it’s ideology or I’m a huge admirer of Kiren Rijiju, though I’ve said earlier that off late he is gaining appreciation from me, but because I wanted to hear an Arunachalee and not a BJP member, who has brought Arunachal Pradesh to national attention by his oratory or his debating prowess, whatever you may say.


And to my amazement and delight, he didn’t resorted to making sky high promises that could never be achieved but rather his speech was more or less concentrated on his performance during his tenure as an opposition MP and what he did to highlight the issues of the people in the parliament and to bring Arunachal Pradesh to national attention and why one should elect him as their representative. For instance, he explained how he brought about nomenclature change of Nyishi from Dafla, an issue pending since 1978, by coaxing the member of parliaments to the 2/3 majority to pass the Bill.

But as expected, he however, didn't fail to utilize the opportunity to take a dig at the Congress either. He questioned, when the Congress government is not able to enhance the GB honorarium, enhance the minimum wages of the labor which is apparently lowest in the country and when they are not able to implement 6^th Pay Commission Recommendation due to fund crunch, from where did they generated INR 3 billion to be distributed to the voters to defeat him in this Lok Sabha Election? And why the Congress is so afraid of this ‘one man army’ so as to utilize money and muscle power when they say that peoples’ support is there for the party and the party is backed by 60 MLA’s? “Let’s fight the election in a democratic way by winning the peoples’ heart with one’s performance and not with money and muscle power”, said Rijiju.

It was soothing to ears to hear him say that it’s time that people become aware, aware of their rights and challenge the government when the funds are misappropriated and make them accountable. It’s time people distance themselves from petty ‘money’ politics and elect the right representatives. It’s time people bring about change and reverse the attitude that government is above the people. Only when people are able to make government realize that it is for the people, of the people and by the people then only we would be able to see the development in Arunachal in a true sense.

Rightly said Mr. Rijiju. It’s indeed right time that we became aware. Time to introspect and see who would be the right candidate to represent us in the parliament irrespective of the party affiliation. It’s the right time we bring about change by exercising our rights and electing the right candidate. If we are able to send the right candidate to the parliament, it would be one step towards change, towards taking Arunachal in a developmental path.

So guys, have you decided your right candidate?

Election Agenda of BJP Candidate from Arunachal for Lok Sabha Polls

I was quite appreciative of the initiative of 'The Arunachal Times' to let the citizen know about their candidates for better decision making this Lok Sabha Election, when they started a series called 'Know your Candidate'. However, after carrying a series on INC candidates namely, Takam Sanjoy and Ninong Ering who are in the fray for LS seats from Arunachal (West) and Arunachal (East) constituency respectively, they altogether discontinued their series; well, this was what I felt having waited...waited and still waiting for the article on other party candidates vying for the 2 LS seats, in their 'Know your Candidate' series. This has made me wonder if this local daily is affiliated to particular political party and is not unbiased in their reporting as was thought of earlier. But then, this didn't come as a surprise either considering the fact that most of the major national media are affiliated to one political party or the other.

Now, having gone through the election agenda of INC candidates for Lok Sabha seats from Arunachal earlier, let's see what BJP candidates has to offer if they are elected to represent us in the parliament.

In an advertorial appearing in 'Arunachal Front' Kiren Rijiju, the BJP candidate from Arunachal (West) has to say:

Vote NDA to Power and I assure the following commitments for Arunachal Pradesh:

1. Complete payment of 36 months arrears for Government Employees as per 6^th pay commission recommendation.
2. Regularisation of services under SSA.
3. Creation of Labour Welfare Fund.
4. Declaration of special status for Arunachal Pradesh for fast development.
5. Enhancement of Gaon Burah Honorarium
6. Enhancement of Student's stipend.

After the discontentment of state employees over the implementation of 6^th Pay Commission recommendation, this issue seem to have become 'hot cake' among various political parties with each party trying to make the most out of this issue by promising to implement the 6^th Pay Commission Recommendation in toto, if voted to power. And with more than 85,000 state workforce along with their family members and relatives (which equates to a large chunk of votes), no wonder if prospective candidates are trying to woo them with their promise.

Like INC agenda, it appears that the agenda of BJP is also more of a political rhetoric than that can be achieved or fulfilled in reality with no logical instances on how they are going to achieve it.

For instance, how's BJP going to implement 6^th CPC recommendation in toto if they are voted to power? Considering the financial crunch the state is in, are they planning to divert 'Peace and Green Bonus' to pay the arrears? But then, would the people allow it?

No doubt the services of the SSA teachers are required and indeed calls for their regularization but, how they are going to pay for the regularized SSA teachers? How they are going to mitigate the 90% funding from Center for this initiative when SSA teachers' are regularized? Is there any action plan?

I only wished if the politicians instead of giving their political rhetoric convince us with proper action plan that they are going to adopt if voted to power, to make Arunachal Pradesh developed, self-reliant and prosperous.

Eight candidates in fray for two LS seats in Arunachal

Here is the (final) list of candidates who would be vying for 2 LS seats in Arunachal, (that is if they don't withdraw their nominations by tomorrow):

Arunachal (West)

1. Kiren Rijiju (BJP)
   
2. Takam Sanjay (INC)
   
3. Taba Taku (Lok Bharati)
   
4. Subu Kechi (Independent)

Arunachal (East)

1. Tapir Gao (BJP)
   
2. Ninong Ering (INC)
   
3. Lowangcha Wanglat (AC)
   
4. Dr. Samson Borang (PPA)

Subu Kechi to file his nomination tomorrow (Updated)

Speaking from Along to Arunachal Diary, Subu Kechi, independent candidate has confirmed that he will be filing his nomination at Along tomorrow to contest from Arunachal (West) constituency for Lok Sabha seat.

Earlier, BJP candidate Kiren Rijiju and INC candidate Takam Sanjoy had filed their nominations for Arunachal (West) and Ninong Ering (INC) and Lowancha Wanglat (ADA) for Arunachal (East) Constituency.

As 30^th is the last date of filing the nomination, it is to be seen if BJP candidate Tapir Gao and Lok Bharati candidate Taba Taku (Taba Taku filed his nomination on Saturday) would file their his nominations too tomorrow for Arunachal (East) and Arunachal (West) constituency respectively.

NES denies issuing press statement supporting candidature of Rijiju

This had to come.

I was in for a shock, when I came across this news item carried in local dailies yesterday where it was stated that NES along with ANSU and Central Nyokum Committee has decided to support candidature of Kiren Rijiju, BJP candidate from Arunachal West Constituency for the coming Lok Sabha Election.

Nyishi Elite Society has decided to support the candidature of Kiren Rijiju in the ensuing parliamentary election for the western seat. The state would go to the polls on April 16.

Its president Bengia Tolum said that decision to this effect was taken at a joint meeting of Nyishi Elite Society, All Nyishi students Union , Central Nyokum Committee.

He said that NES is grateful to Rijiju for fulfilling long pending demands of the community by changing its nomenclature from Dafla to Nyishi last year during his tenure as a Member of Parliament.

(Source: Arunachal Times)

The reason being:

Can a non-government non-political organization, which I presume NES or ANSU is, show support to any political party openly?

And true to the apprehension, NES came out with a statement today in local dailies stating that yesterdays press statement was 'forged' and has demanded the state government to find out the culprit within seven days.

The Nyishi Elite Society today disowned the press statement that appeared in cross section of local dailies where it declared that NES is supporting Kiren Rijiju as the West Parliamentary candidate in the coming election.

In a press conference today at ANSU office, NES president Bengia Tolum clarified that press statement did not emanate from the NES but by some miscreants.

Expressing shock and anguish at the same time, he said that he was in Yazali since March 10 last so question of writing the press release on March 20 does not arise.

Meanwhile, the NES said that it will lodge complaint in the nearest police station against fake press statement and demanded the state govt to find out the culprit within seven days.

(Source: Arunachal Times)

Arunachal Democratic Alliance announces it's nominee (Updated)

Arunachal Democratic Alliance (ADA) has finally announced it's nominees for Lok Sabha Polls. The conglomeration of 6 political parties comprising Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), People's Party of Arunachal (PPA), Janata Dal (United), Arunachal Congress (AC), Lok Bharati and Lok Janasakthi Party, has decided to field Bida Taku (Lok Jansakthi) and Lowancha Wanglat (Arunachal Congress) in Arunachal West and Arunachal East constituency respectively. It may also be mentioned that earlier C.T. Manpoong (Arunachal Congress) and Taba Taku(Lok Bharati) had been nominated for Arunachal East and Arunachal West constituency respectively. Now, with announcement of names of L.Wanglat and Bida Taku by ADA, is it to be presumed that earlier nominated names of C.T. Manpoong and Taba Taku stands cancelled?

L.Wanglat, the former Congress Party member who resigned the party over his resentment on not being given party ticket for contesting the Lok Sabha Polls has said that he would give tough fight to Tapir Gao (BJP) and Ninong Ering (INC) and would give them crushing defeat as the constituency is his 'bastion' where he has more mass following than BJP or INC candidates contesting the poll. Also, reiterating the allegation of Kiren Rijuju where Kiren Rijiju had alleged Congress candidates of using muscle and money power to garner votes, Wanglat said that he would not contest the election with 'money power' unlike Congress candidate Ninong Ering but with support from the people.

"I vow to fight my opponent Ninong Ering, who lacks mass base in the Tirap, Changlang and Lohit districts, which is my bastion. Changlang, Lohit and my native district Tirap have more than two of the three lakh voters in Arunachal East. I have the unconditional support of the voters of Tirap and Changlang, which have been demanding Patkai Autonomous Council, for long. Unlike Ering, I will not fight with money but with the people’s support. I am confident of giving a crushing defeat to my opponents, the Congress’s Ninong Ering and the BJP’s Tapir Gao,” he said.

(The Telegraph)

Now with the declaration of nominees by ADA, the updated list of candidates so far, who would be contesting the Lok Sabha Poll in Arunachal Pradesh are as follows:

Arunachal West

1. Kiren Rijiju (BJP)
2. Takam Sanjoy (INC)
3. Taba Taku (Lok Bharati)--?
4. Subu Kechi (Independent)
5. Bida Taku (Lok Janasakthi)--?

Arunachal East

1. Tapir Gao (BJP)
2. Ninong Ering (INC)
3. C.T. Manpoong (AC)--?
4. Lowancha Wanglat (AC)--?

Update: The candidate for Arunachal West is Taba Taku and not Bida Taku and Chou Tan Manpoong has surrendered his proposal for contesting from Arunachal East in favor of Lowancha Wanglat. (Source: Arunachal Front)

Vote-not-to vote: The lesser known voting rule; Rule 49-O

One of the reader of Arunachal Diary asked me if I could throw some light on Vote-not-to vote rule or rather Negative/Neutral vote or 'Nota' (None of the above). As it would have been a long reply almost sufficing a single post, I thought of doing a post on itself.

Post 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, one lesser known rule of 'The Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961', has been doing round in blogosphere and social networking sites and has been a subject of debate. It is the Rule 49-O of 'The Conduct of Election Rules, 1961'-the rule, which as a matter of fact I too was quite unaware of. It was triggered by hoax email that was doing round the web, apparently since past couple of years but which gained momentum post 26/11 Mumbai terror attack.

So what is Rule 49-O of The Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961?

It says that if elector decides not to record his vote, then the elector may do so by notifying the presiding officer and putting signature or thumb impression in Form 17A which exposes the identity of the elector and making them vulnerable to threat and intimidation. It also defeats the purpose of 'secret ballot'.

49-O. Elector deciding not to vote.-If an elector, after his electoral roll number has been duly entered in the register of voters in Form-17A and has put his signature or thumb impression thereon as required under sub-rule (1) of rule 49L, decided not to record his vote, a remark to this effect shall be made against the said entry in Form 17A by the presiding officer and the signature or thumb impression of the elector shall be obtained against such remark.

What is so special about this rule that it became a buzzword and a subject of debate in the web?

The hoax email that did round the web, apparently seems to state that 'if the number of people who invoke the right to 49-O is more than the winning candidates vote count, a re-poll is ordered with something amounting to a permanent ban on the previous candidature'. Having disillusioned with the voting system of the country to elect their representative whereby there was no option other than to choose the candidate which was less unappealing than the others; this gave some sense of power to elector to accept or not-to- accept or to reject the candidates altogether by putting 'Negative/Neutral' Vote. It was felt and hoped that by exercising this option, the wronged system can atleast be corrected. And ever since, people have been debating about the viability of this option.

Can a re-poll be ordered by invoking Rule 49-O?

No, with the present Rule 49-O, there is no option that a re-poll could be ordered if the vote count invoking Rule 49-O is greater than the vote count of winning candidates. In other words, it would be much similar to abstaining from exercising your franchise or to make your vote invalid. 49-o.info has succinct information on Rule 49-O. Go through the explanation of rule 49-O here.

So, not until the rule is amended based on EC recommendations and a clause inserted for re-poll and disqualification of candidature, it would be futile and 'waste' of vote to invoke 'Rule 49-O' except to compromise your identity and expose you to the vulnerability of being intimidated.


Suggested readings:

1. SC keeps door open on negative voting.
2. Right of negative voting.

Arunachal Anti-Corruption Sena fields its candidate for LS Polls

In an interesting development, Arunachal Anti-Corruption Sena has decided to join the fray for Lok Sabha seats along with INC, BJP, AC and Lok Bharti.

In a report appearing in ‘The Subansiri”-A weekly published from Ziro, it is reported that Arunachal Anti-Corruption Sena (AACS) has decided to field their President, Subu Kechi, a former government employee and lawyer by profession, to contest for Arunachal West Constituency as an independent candidate.

It is not clear from the report whether AACS has filed nomination for the same or not.

Watch this space for more updates on this.

Election Agenda of INC candidates from Arunachal for LS Polls

Apart from their party manifesto, access to education at all levels, self-employment avenues and self reliance of the state seems to be the main agenda of INC candidates contesting from 2 constituency seats in Arunachal for Lok Sabha election.

In 'know your candidate' column series carried out by The Arunachal Times, Takam Sanjoy, INC candidate from Arunachal West Constituency says his priorities are:

1. Access to education at all level and to ensure each Arunachalee is educated.
2. Implementation of SSA in right direction.
3. To tap the untapped resources and distribute equally among all Arunachalees.
4. To look at new avenues of self-employment and generation of employment.
5. Implementation of 6^th CPC recommendation would be pursued at all possible level. (Not surprising being included in election agenda, considering the row it created)
   

Given a chance, he says he will use the platform to get our state noticed for all the right reasons and will bridge the gap between New Delhi and Itanagar.

Also his other concern is to clear the misconception [sic] that Arunachal is a disputed territory.

He says apart from others, his immediate focus would be on misconception that Arunachal is a disputed territory. "This land belongs to India and no force on earth can dispute that."

-The Arunachal Times

Well, in this front I would say, it is not a misconception but a fact that Arunachal Pradesh is indeed a disputed territory which can only be resolved through diplomatic measures and not by shouting our lungs out that Arunachal Pradesh is not a disputed territory.

Further, he says that state needs to give up 'dependency syndrome' and has to become self reliant.

Similarly, Ninong Ering, INC Candidate from Arunachal East constituency has similar priorities as his counterpart Takam Sanjoy.

Besides stressing on access to education, improved health and sanitation, finding avenues for self-employment and making state self reliant, he stresses on bringing the state in the fold of Sixth Schedule. He also stresses on making Arunachal leap forward in IT sector.

Well, both of them has given a very good political rhetoric on why should we elect them, but none of them has mentioned anything on how they would achieve their agenda. Nevertheless, let's hope that they would keep their promises if elected.

Well, Mr. Sanjoy and Mr. Ering best of luck. We would be watching you if you keep your promise or not. :)

Kiren Rijiju for a changed political atmosphere in Arunachal Pradesh

Off late, one politician of the state is drawing my attention and gaining appreciation from my side.

Earlier, he was named among top 5 opposition MP's reviewed by their peers in treasury bench based on high benchmark in debates, discussions and decorum and was placed along the stalwarts in the likes of L.K. Advani.

In a state where it is easier to change party affiliation then changing clothes and where there is no party ideology, he stick to his party rejecting the offer of joining the rival party and fighting the forthcoming Lok Sabha election in their ticket and that too when nine of his party member had defected to the rival party. His concern is not just about becoming an MP but bringing about a 'political change' in the state.

"But I preferred to remain in BJP. I feel only becoming MP should not be the sole objective. I may feel lonely losing all the party MLAs to Congress but I still feel that I should fight the system to bring about a change in the political atmosphere in the state,"he said.

Hmm.. I guess you might have guessed whom I'm referring to.

And yes Mr. Rijiju, if we've more legislator like you; certainly we would be having changed and better political atmosphere in the state.

What do you say?

Candidates from Arunachal Pradesh for Lok Sabha Polls

The nominated candidates, so far, of the various political parties in the state to contest for 2 seats in Arunachal Pradesh during the single phase poll on April 16^th are:

BJP:

1. Kiren Rijiju (Western Constituency)
2. Tapir Gao (Eastern Constituency)

INC:

1. Takam Sanjoy (Western Constituency)
2. Ninong Ering (Eastern Cconstituency)

AC & Lok Bharti:

1. C.T. Manpoong (Eastern Constituency) (Arunachal Congress)
2. Taba Taku (Western Constituency) (Lok Bharti)

Arunachal Democratic Alliance (ADA) is likely to announce its nominee by tomorrow.