By Cathreenia Nongkynrih

Shillong, Feb 21: As the election season heats up, Meghalaya is gripped by a feverish anticipation of what lies ahead. With candidates from various parties vying for the top spot, the atmosphere is charged with excitement and anticipation. The State is abuzz with debates, rallies, and campaigns as politicians work tirelessly to win over voters.

From constituency to constituency, citizens are taking an active interest in the election process, attending rallies, and watching televised debates. Social media platforms are awash with political discourse as voters voice their opinions and engage with candidates directly. This year’s election has become a referendum on the future of the State and the Nation as a whole, with issues such as the economy, healthcare, traffic jams, and corruption dominating the conversation.

As the countdown to the election day draws closer, the stakes are high, and tensions are running even higher. Political ads flood the airwaves, and every sound byte or misstep is scrutinized and analysed. Debates have been heated, with candidates taking jabs at each other and arguing passionately for their policies.

While the candidates themselves are the focus of the election, they are not alone in their efforts. Campaign volunteers work tirelessly to get the word out and encourage voter turnout.

The TMC with its vast manifesto talking about the demand for ILP, the MYE & WE- card, e-ration cards, medical colleges set-up and the 10 new pledges for the state and its people, but will they be able to implement these big talks considering the party’s major failure at the Tripura elections as well as its poor connection with the central government. Is it capable of implementing all its promises or will we be fooled for votes?

Now, if we take a look at the Congress and it’s 5 star policy for Meghalaya- The Rs. 3000 monthly income for single mother, employment generation for the youths, corruption-free and drug-free Meghalaya, uninterrupted power supply, all looks well and good but what remains is the fact that the Congress party is crumbling, will Meghalaya be empowered if we choose to rely on a falling government?

Coming to the BJP, concentrating on the 7th pay commission, the free education for girl child, the Ujjwala Scheme and many more. However what fears the Meghalayans is the “Secularism” that have been rampaged in many parts of the country through Bajrangdals and RSS ideologies. Will we get to be whoever and join whomever we want?

The governing party, which is the NPP, in its manifesto talked about various schemes with special focus on entrepreneurship, tourism, agro-processing and knowledge/digital sectors in both the Urban and Rural areas of the state, creation of multi-sectoral skill parks, exposure trips and livelihood sectors, inclusion of Khasi and Garo languages in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution of India and the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Meghalaya. Will they actually work on all its promises or will we fall into many chaos again from time to time.

It is commendable how the party performed considering the amount of mayhem this government has gone through right from its inception. But we as a State still need more development in every field of life. At this point in time, with the State at 50 years, we are still far from even being called a developing State.

Parties presenting manifestos and promises of all kinds, giving cards and schemes of all sorts which is laudable but what is to be questioned is the statement they make, which is – “if we form the government” here. As a citizen, we are left to wonder as to how blackmailing voters in this manner will bring change of any sense.

All we want is an economy that is flourishing, evolving and adapting. We are concerned but ready for the leap of faith in elections yet again. As the final days of the campaign approach, the race remains too close to call. Pollsters and analysts are predicting a tight finish, with every vote likely to count. One thing is for sure – this election will be one for the history books, and the State will be watching closely as the results roll in.

Despite the chaos and drama, there are still those who believe in the power of democracy and the importance of participating in the electoral process. With just a few days to go until the polls, the candidates are pulling out all the stops to win over voters and secure a victory. Until then, Meghalaya holds its breath, wondering what further twists and turns this election season will bring.