Speaking to reporters after filing his papers, Mr Sangma dismissed reports that his role in State politics was only a stopgap arrangement.

The Garo veteran leader, dressed in traditional Garo attire comprising a kotip (head gear), was accompanied by his wife, two sons and youngest daughter to submit his nomination.

"There is no going back to Delhi, I have completed my term there. My people have elected me to Parliament a record ten times, what more can I ask?" Mr Sangma said.

He said it was now time to focus on the State which is facing a leadership crisis. "I have come to stay (in Meghalaya) for good," he added.

He later met some of his old acquaintances in Tura Bar Association located inside DC's office complex. He practised law in Tura before jumping into politics in the 70's.

His elder son, James K Sangma, is contesting from Rongchugiri, while the younger sibling Conrad K Sangma is fighting from Selsella. Both filed their nominations on Thursday.

Earlier, Mr Sangma addressed hundreds of party workers and supporters from the first floor of his party office in Hawakhana. He said it was time for a change and assured a clean government by NCP.

Top NCP functionaries from various states of North-east also arrived to accompany Mr Sangma to file the nomination. On the occasion, former Chief Minister of Manipur and NCP leader RK Koijam urged the people to elect Mr Sangma, "the only known leader from the North-East who is highly regarded both at national and international levels".

Assembly Speaker Martin A Danggo and Deputy Speaker Phringwell Muktieh filed their nominations for Langrin and Mawhati constituencies respectively even as altogether 103 candidates submitted their papers on Thursday.

Other prominent leaders who filed their papers on Thursday are -- former Chief Minister Flinder Anderson Khonglam (HSPDP) for Sohra, former KHADC CEM Hispreaching Son Shylla (Ind) for Nongkrem, PWD Minister Zenith Sangma (Congress) for Rangsakona, Agriculture Minister Manirul Islam Sarkar (Congress) for Rajabala, Tourism Minister Charles Pyngrope (Congress) for Sohryngkham, former PWD Minister Brening A Sangma (Congress) for Kherapara, former minister Shitlang Pale (Congress) for Sutnga Shangpung, former Deputy Commissioner Arlene MN Sangma (Congress) for Rongjeng, former Deputy Commissioner Mrs C Lamin (NCP) for Mawlai, former KHNAM general secretary Erwin K Sutnga for Umroi and KHADC Deputy CEM William Mynsong (Congress) for Jirang.

B Bires Nongsiej (UDP) for Mawkyrwat, Lambor Malngiang (KHNAM) for Nongkrem, Clement Marak (Congress) for Selsella, Admiral K Sangma (NCP) for Dalamgiri cosntituency, Tony Curtis Lyngdoh (Congress) for Malki-Nongthymmai, Boldness L Nongum (Congress) for Mairang, Irin Lyngdoh for Mairang, Riang Lennon Tariang (UDP) for War Jaintia and Stanley Wiss Rymbai (Congress) for Umroi, Sengman Marak (Congress) for Rongjeng, Samuel Sangma (Congress) for Dalu and UDP general secretary Beninstand G Momin for Mendipathar are the other sitting legislators who filed their nominations on Thursday.

'' I appealed to Prime Minister and Sonia Gandhi to sack Mr Kyndiah from the post of Union Minister for Tribal Affairs for not upholding rules and norms of the tribal laws,'' Mr Shylla told reporters after filing his nomination papers as an Independent candidate from Nongkrem constituency.

The tussle between the Kyndiahs and Mr Shylla heated up after the Congress high command allowed junior Kyndiah to contest the March 3 Assembly poll from Nongkrem, reserved seat for Scheduled Tribe.

The Congress leader was sacked a fortnight ago as leader of the KHADC for questioning the 'tribal status' of Mr Kyndiah's son Waibha K Kyndiah for taking his father P R Kyndiah's surname, violating the Khasi matrilineal system.

According to Mr Shylla, junior Kyndiah had violated Sections 10 and 3 (1) of the Khasi Social Custom of Lineage Act, 1997, which is meant to uphold the tribal customary law of the Khasi.

Quoting the Sections of the Act, the rebel Congress said, ''A Khasi shall cease to be a Khasi, if he does not follow the Khasi matrilineal system. '' In addition to this, the junior Kyndiah also violated Section 3(1) of the Act, which stated that '' A person whose parents belong to the Khasi community will have to have his mother's surname.''

Therefore, he said, the junior had clearly violated the tribal law.

The Union Minister, however, said his son Waibha Kyndiah is a tribal Khasi and did violate any act. ''I am a Khasi, my wife is a Khasi and so is my son,'' Mr Kyndiah had said.

Mr Kyndiah asserted that Mr Shylla's argument was politically motivated. (UNI)

Almost all political parties including BJP, NCP, KHNAM and LJP expressed solidarity on the issues brought by Ka Dobar Ri including constitutional recognition for traditional institutions, direct funding to traditional bodies, Upper House and increasing wage of daily labourers under National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) and others.

While UDP and Congress did not turn up in the meeting, MDP sent only its manifesto to the Dorbar Ri held here on Thursday.

Political parties attending the meeting expressed support to the demand for recognition to traditional institutions but some parties preferred to skip the issue of direct funding saying they were not proficient enough in financial matters.

Speaking at the meeting, NCP leader Dr L Cajee said direct funding and legal recognition to traditional institutions have been highlighted in the manifesto of the party. He said, "If our party comes to power, it would introduce budget for direct funding of traditional institutions in the very first Assembly session". He, however, declined to comment on formation of Upper House.

BJP's LG Laloo said his party had a special respect for the unique culture of the people of the State. Strengthening traditional institutions is the main objective of BJP, he said. But, on direct funding he said though it is important, existence of autonomous district councils empowered under Sixth Schedule would create legal confusion in this regard.

Expressing their support to Dorbar Ri demands, pre-poll allies KHNAM and HSPDP said the issues have already been underlined by the parties. Batkupar Wahlang of KHNAM and HS Lyngdoh of HSPDP called upon a concerted effort to make the Dorbar Ri mission a success. "Land, customary practices and traditional institutions must get proper recognitions by the law as in case of Panchayati Raj," they asserted.

LJP also extended its support to the demands of Dobar Ri.

Members of the People's Parliament including Syiems, Myntris, Sordars, Rangbah Shnongs, Lyngdohs, Dolois and Nokmas among others attended the meeting chaired by spokesperson of Federation of Khasi States, John F Kharshiing. He urged upon all the political parties to fulfill their promises made in the election manifestos.

SHILLONG: In what can be termed as an attempt to woo the Congress vote bank not happy with the ouster of Chief Minister JD Rymbai last year, the BJP lambasted the Congress-led coalition government in the State saying there is no place for an honest man (Rymbai) in the party.

"Mr Rymbai, whom the people consider as an honest politician, was ousted from the helm of affairs within a few months he had taken over from DD Lapang and the same people, instrumental in bringing in Rymbai, betrayed him," BJP general secretary in-charge Meghalaya Kiren Rijiju said here on Thursday.

Terming the present Congress-led MDA government as "the most corrupt" Meghalaya has ever seen since its Statehood, Mr Rijiju said, "Mr Rymbai had to pay the price for trying to check the large-scale corruption prevailing in the State."

Another reason for the Chief Minister's downfall is that he did not have the "resources" to please the party high command and he had to give way to Mr Lapang, according to the BJP MP from Arunachal Pradesh.

He also ridiculed the Congress high command for bringing in the same DD Lapang, who was removed by JD Rymbai a few months back due to corruption charges against him.

The other Congress legislators are no better, Mr Rijiju said, adding that the same group of legislators, who had launched signature campaign levelling corruption charges against Mr Lapang, supported his return ousting "an honest Chief Minister" (Rymbai).

Reinstatement of Mr Lapang has led to less development and more controversies in the State, Mr Rijiju felt.

On the State's overall economic scenario, he said despite the fact that the country's economy growing at 9 per cent, Meghalaya is far from attaining the rate as price rise has crushed the backbone of common man.

Absence of a Common Minimum Programme in the Congress-led coalition government clearly shows that the ruling parties are not bothered to formulate policies to benefit the masses, the BJP leader said.

He also alleged that the State Government had failed miserably in terms of law and order, especially in the border areas.

Voicing the party's concern for Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe communities, he wondered as to why the UPA Government at the Centre had arranged special budget allocation for the Muslim community and not for the other minority groups.

The BJP, which is contesting 20 seats, will try to provide a clean government, if voted to power, Mr Rijiju said adding, "this time we are confident of getting a bigger mandate in Meghalaya."

He, however, admitted that the party's image was somewhat tarnished especially in rural areas due to "malicious campaign" by Congress.

BJP has two MLAs in the 60-member Assembly.

However, it is too early to give a clear picture in a constituency as cosmopolitan in character, and the voters are keeping a close watch on all the seven candidates who are in the fray. Most of the seven candidates have carried out extensive door-to-door campaigns. In fact, they are doing everything possible to outsmart each other.

The issues that are being talked about by most of the candidates are not too different. Good roads, sanitation and proper drainage system, housing for the poor and water supply seem to be "top priority" on every candidate's agenda. There is nothing strikingly different in the manifestoes of these candidates.

But what perhaps deserves mention is an attempt by Congress candidate Nicky Lyngdoh to open "an employment cell," which promises youths to get employment and NCP candidate Paul Suting's promise to make MLA funding more transparent. The other thing to watch out for could be the "youth power," and the thrust on education which UDP candidate Ampreen Lyngdoh is harping on.

However, these old tricks of wooing voters with election promises do not seem to be working any more. Most voters spoken to by this scribe expressed their scepticism of witnessing any "major facelift of the constituency and its people" after the elections.

"This time we have to be very careful so as not to waste our franchise," a few voters from Laitumkhrah said. Though none would admit but voters were not sure if they could get a replacement or someone better that sitting MLA RG Lyngdoh.

Political observers feel that the going would have been tough for Mr Lyngdoh this time as there are allegations galore that he has not paid enough attention to his constituents. But they also believe that the Congress MLA "still wields a lot of clout" amongst the voters. So would this Congress leader who surprised everyone by declaring his unwillingness to contest the election, play the kingmaker or sit in the sidelines and watch?

For now there is no answer. But a look back at the history of electoral politics could perhaps provide some glimpses of what is to be expected in this election. Those who have actively participated in the elections since 1972, feel that Congress could ride on the advantage that has been handed down to it by Late Peter G Marbaniang, who won thrice from this constituency. His son Robert G Lyngdoh too carried on his father's legacy and won two consecutive elections (1998 and 2003).

However, some other school of thought dismissed the "Congress domination "as a thing of the past." Many residents of Laitumkhrah are of the opinion that "people no more owe allegiance to one party or a family."

So have the voters in Laitumkhrah come of age? According to most of the electorates, "it is not about a family or a party anymore. We want a good person who can improve the constituency and deliver."

Interestingly, some other school of thought believes that the mandate in Laitumkhrah could be a repeat of the 1993 elections. Late Peter G Marbaniang who was the sitting MLA from Laitumkhrah in 1988 did not contest the subsequent elections (he was an MP from the Shillong seat in that year) and the result was that Congress lost the seat to Hill Peoples' Union (HPU). Congress's G M War had lost to HPU's Dr J Khonglah.

However, it remains to be seen as to who will emerge the winner this time as the field is wide open, and every candidate is like the dark horse.

"There is still sometime to right now and we want to decide as to who will be best for Laitumkhrah," N L Jyrwa, a voter, said.

Though on the face of it appears that Ampreen Lyngdoh who deserted the Congress party on not getting party ticket to UDP is leading the race, but those who study election and its great uncertainties say, "please don't just go by what you see." "There is more than meets the eye and you only have to go a little beyond the surface."

Everything said and done, the decisive factor many feel will be the approximately 30 per cent non-tribal votes in Laitumkhrah or the "catholic votes." Incidentally, five of the seven candidates, that is Ms Lyngdoh, Mr Nongdhar, Mr Tariang, Nicky Lyngdoh of Congress and John Soannes of BJP are all followers of the catholic religion.

The party's election manifesto, released by BJP general secretary in charge of Meghalaya, Kiran Rijiju, has highlighted various important issues including empowerment of traditional institutions, rooting out corruption at all levels and providing people with a clean and efficient government. BJP wants to complete the unfinished task of NEIGRIHMS and make it fully functional so that people from the region would be able to avail of the service of the premier hospital. On the political front, the party aims to see that an able, clean and efficient government with like-minded parties, groups and individuals is fomed after the elections.

"Rooting out corruption at all levels of the administration will be the first step towards securing a transparent government. Appropriate cases will be handed over to CBI," the manifesto said. The party also plans to establish an Economic Offence Cell to deal with all types of crimes, including cyber ones, and to regulate functioning of Non-Banking Financial companies (NBFCs), which are duping gullible members of the public in the State. For empowerment of traditional institutions, BJP aims to provide adequate funds for immediate appointment of a competent commission for essential codification of traditional laws, customs and practice in all aspects of tribal life. Referring to the influx problem, the party says it is committed to preserving the demographic contours of the State's indigeneous people, adding that for this purpose a seperate Anti-Infiltration Department headed by a competent authority

BJP wants to frame a mining policy which is conducive, environment-friendly and revenue. " The party also aims to seek early enanctment of Meghalaya Land Laws, particularly the Land Registration Act, in order to remove problems faced by the people of the State in paying unreasonable high rates of registration fees under the land laws borrowed from Assam state. The BJP manifesto plans to abolish the Single Window System in the industrial policy to prevent the violation of the Land Transfer Act and instead eoncourage medium and small industries.

SHILLONG: Khasi Jaintia Deficit School Teachers' Association (KJDSTA) has expressed unhappiness over the State Government's order, barring teachers of government- aided educational institutions from taking part in election campaigns of any political parties of cnaididates.

Talking to newsmen on Thursday, KJDSTA president Emeral D Nongsiang argued that teachers of government- aided educational institutions could participate in election campaigns, provide permission was given to them by the school managing committees concerned. "Section 2 regarding conduct and discipline of governemnt employees permits teachers to participate in any political activities," Nongsiang said.

The Association's emergency Executive Committee meeting held on Thursday, however, did not take any decision to apprise the authority concerned of its stand on the matter.

Talking to reporters here on Thursday, East Khasi Hills DC Bhalang Dhar said ten election observers had been appointed for district by the Election Commission -- two of them expenditure observers and the rest general observers.

The election observers are: Sanjay Ramesh Bhoosreddy for Sohiong and Mylliem constituencies; Keshav Kumar Pathak for Lyngkyrdem and Nongshken; Arvind Kumar for Sohryngkham and Dienglieng; Kakumanu Siva Prasad for Pynthorumkhrah and Mawlai; D Suresh for Nongspung and Mawsynram; Nitishwar Kumar for Jaiaw and Mawkhar; Ajay Kumar Singh for Malki-Nongthymmai, Laitumkhrah and Nongkrem; Brajesh Mehrotra for Sohra and Shella. The two expenditure observers are Dr Subash Chandra for Nongspung, Sohiong, Mylliem, Laitumkhrah, Mawprem, Mawlai, Dienglieng and Mawsynram seats and Dr K Sriniwas Reddy for Malki-Nongthymmai, Pynthorumkhrah, Jaiaw, Mawkhar, Laban, Sohryngkham, Nongkrem, Lyngkyrdem, Nongskhen, Sohra and Shella constituencies.

A good number of candidates filed their nominations on Thursday.

They are Meghalaya State Assembly Speaker Martin A Danggo and Deputy Speaker Phringwell Muktieh, former Chief Minister Flinder Anderson Khonglam (HSPDP) from Sohra cosntituency, former KHADC Chief Executive Member Hispreaching Son Shylla (Ind) from Nongkrem constituency, PWD Minister Zenith Sangma (INC) from Rangsakona constituency, Agriculture Minister Manirul Islam Sarkar (INC) from Rajabala constituency, Tourism Minister Charles Pyngrope (INC) from Sohryngkham constituency, former PWD Minister Brening A Sangma (INC) from Kherapara constituency, fomer Minister Shitlang Pale (INC) from Sutnga Shangpung constituency, former Deputy Commissioner Arlene M N Sangma (INC) from Rongjeng constituency, former Deputy Commissioner Mrs C Lamin (NCP) from Mawlai constituency, KHNAM general secretary Erwin K Sutnga from Umroi constituency, KHADC Deputy CEM William Mynsong (INC) from Jirang constituency and NCP National Youth President Conrad Kongkal Sangma from Selsella constituency.

Other sitting legislators who filed their nomination B Bires Nongsiej (UDP) from Mawkyrwat constituency, Lambor Malngiang (KHNAM) from Nongkrem constituency, Clement Marak (INC) from Selsella constituency, Admiral K Sangma (NCP) from Dalamgiri cosntituency, Tony Curtis Lyngdoh (INC) from Malki-Nongtymmai constituency, Boldness L Nongum (INC) from Mairang constituency, Irin Lyngdoh from Mairang constituency, Riang Lennon Tariang (UDP) from War Jaintia constituency and Stanley Wiss Rymbai (INC) from Umroi constituency.

In East Khasi Hills, sitting MDC Latiplang Kharkongor (KHNAM) from Malki-Nongtymmai constituency, sitting MDC Founder Strong Cajee (INC) from Mawlai constituency, , former FKJGP leader Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit from Nongkrem constituency, Wanton Marbaniang (HSPDP) from Nongspung constituency, Bomber Hynniewta (HSPDP) from Mylliem constituency, Petrus Umdor (LJP) from Malki-Nongthymmai constituency, Romeo Phira Rani (BJP) from Laitumkhrah constituency, prominent lawyer Subashish Chakraborty (INC) from Pynthorumkhrah constituency, former KSU leader Glenbert Lawrence Khongwir (KHNAM) from Mawkhar constituency, Roger LD Syiemlieh (LJP) from Mawprem constituency, Mitchell Wankhar (MDP) from Nongkrem constituency, Donevan Wanlang (KHNAM), Titosstarwell Chyne (UDP) and Kodin Nongrum (MDP) from Sohra constituency, working journalist Starfing Jove Langpen Pdahkasiej (IND), Hoysius R Marak (UDP), Pynshngainlang Syiem (INC) and Blassius Kharsyntiew from Mawsynram constituency.

In West Khasi Hills, Grossper Ryntathiang (MDP) from Mairang constituency, Alexander Marwein (LJP), Enbin K Raswai HSPDP) and Endro Iawphniaw from Mawkyrwat constituency, Lam Lyngdoh (UDP) from Pariong constituency, Lenington R Marak (BJP), former MLA Francis K Mawklot (UDP), David Hmar Marwein (IND) from Nongstoin constituency, Leenga A Sangma (NCP) from Langrin constituency, H Ledison Nongsiang (MDP), Mehalin S Marak (IND) and Plastingwell Pangniang (HSPDP).

In Jaintia Hills, CA Lamin (KHNAM) from War Jaintia constituency, former MLA Simon Siangshai (NCP) and Balius Swer (UDP) from Rymbai constituency, Pison Paslein (KHNAM) from Sutnga Shangpung constituency and ECB Bamon from Nartiang constituency.

In Ri-Bhoi district, Rangkynsai Makdoh (KHNAM) from Mawhati constituency, Denington Marbaniang (MDP) and Mording Darthang (NCP) from Umroi constituency and Commiillius Komon Mawiong.

In South Garo Hills, Julias Sangma (IND) and Florence T Sangma (UDP) from Baghmara constituency.

In East Garo Hills, Dolly Sangma (IND) from Mendipathar constituency and Brigady Marak (UDP) from Bajengdoba constituency.

In West Garo Hills, Bidur A Sangma (BJP) from Trikikilla constituency, Augustine D Marak (INC) from Dadengiri constituency, James Pangsang Kongkal Sangma (NCP)from Rongchugiri constituency, Sader Husssain (NCP) and Parimal Rabha (BJP) from Phulbari constituency, Ashael D Shira (NCP) and Samarendra A Sangma (BJP) from Rajabala constituency, Arjun Kumar Hajong (BJP) from Selsella constituency, Purno K Sangma (NCP) from Rongram constituency, Tinash CH Momin (UDP) and Cyrus Tangseng D Shira (INC) from Tura constituency, Panseng R Marak (NCP) and Godwin D Shira (BJP) from Dalu constituency.

It is shocking that the President of the United Democratic Party, Dr Donkupar Roy should condemn the Congress party of corruption when he is still the Deputy Chief Minister in the MDA Government headed by the Congress party. Dr Roy should have had the decency to step down from the Government before launching a frontal attack on a party that he shared and continues to share a platform with for the past five years.

Last year when Mr JD Rymbai was sought to be ousted from the seat of Chief Minister, by none other than his Congress colleagues, everyone believed that the UDP would stand by Mr Rymbai, come what may. But we were all shocked to when Dr Donkupar Roy and his party switched sides without any qualms and joined the Lapang camp. What does this say about the UDP as a party? That it is ready and willing to align with anyone so long as it is assured of a ministerial berth? Dr Roy's political hypocrisy survives because this is a society that refuses to debate such improprieties in public life. The Congress party on the other hand has been very mature and has chosen not to retaliate. This political maturity is perhaps what separates the men from the boys. The Congress is well aware that the UDP, MDP etc will be the first to send feelers should the party get the single largest majority. So the Congress policy is 'let barking dogs lie'.

Going from the market trends where the business community operates and plays its own kind of politics, it seems that the Congress is set to return as the party with the single largest majority. The business class usually owes loyalty to no political party. Their one single loyalty is to money and wealth. They would usually put their money where their mouths are. So when they say that the Congress will return it also means they have invested heavily in the Congress party. But even the business class cannot guarantee anything. At the end of the day people will decide the fate of political parties and that is how it should be. The business community should not be allowed to use their clout to buy and sell votes and to influence politics beyond a point.

What is clear however, is that the UDP stands a very slim chance of romping to victory with a respectable figure so as to stake claim to form the next government. Hence the last minute truce with the MDP and KHNAM. But it is my gut feeling that all of the above parties will have to team up either with the NCP or the Congress. Somehow the financial clout of a national party has always been the deciding factor in government formation. Governments are not formed on the basis of political values. There is a lot of buying and selling that goes on. About ten years ago MLAs were up for sale for Rs 35 lakhs. Today each MLA who agrees to support a shaky coalition to make up the magic figure will be bribed not less than 2-3 crores of rupees if not more. So it pays to be an independent candidate or to belong to a small party. But the kind of money required during the tally game is difficult for any single businessman or firm to cough up. This is where connections with High Commands come handy. I recall a former chief minister who had to pay some independent MLAs every month for support his government for all of five years.

Today the UDP cannot wash its hands off the power deals or of any of the transgressions of the MDA government. As a prominent member of the Cabinet Dr Roy has ample opportunity to put a stop to the corrupt practices that he accuses the Congress of indulging in. If political naivety prevented him from raising a hue and cry against corruption then he should have quit politics. You cannot be in politics and not play by the rules. As part of the MDA coalition all the other parties are equally responsible for the power deal that was signed by the Power Minister, a Congressman, because this man derives his powers from the Cabinet of thirteen people.

For all practical purposes, therefore, Dr Donkupar Roy and his party will have to ally with one of the national parties. I don't know if he has burnt his bridges so far as the Congress is concerned. But knowing the Congress to have a thick hide and the morals of a tramp they would not mind inviting anyone to be their political paramour. What they want are numbers. The morals of those who make up the numbers, matters the least. Nor will they insist that Dr Donkupar Roy clean his mouth for all the bad-mouthing he has done so far. The Congress culture of forget and forgive is legendary.

However, it is important for us as an electorate to have our say. After all we are the fools who elect sixty people whom we cannot even hold accountable throughout their 5-year term. Then we also watch in helpless chagrin as some thirty-plus people loot the public exchequer by virtue of being part of the executive. Can anyone blame us for being cynical and not wanting to vote? Be that as it may we are also not cretins to be taken in by the ravings and ranting of Dr Donkupar Roy and the UDP. In fact guys like him ought to learn a lesson or two from the Left parties who are supporting the UPA government at the Centre.

At the height of the nuclear deal controversy the Communist parties went hammer and tongs at the UPA government, accusing it of short-selling the sovereignty of India. Many thought this was absurd since the Left parties were part of the UPA combine. But there is a basic difference. The Communists left themselves some elbow room to put the UPA on the mat should the need arise. The Left did not join the UPA Government. They only supported it from the outside. But such is not the case with the UDP in Meghalaya since Dr Donkupar Roy was a key member of the MDA cabinet.

Today the UDP cannot wash its hands off the power deals or of any of the transgressions of the MDA government. As a prominent member of the Cabinet Dr Roy has ample opportunity to put a stop to the corrupt practices that he accuses the Congress of indulging in. If political naivety prevented him from raising a hue and cry against corruption then he should have quit politics. You cannot be in politics and not play by the rules. As part of the MDA coalition all the other parties are equally responsible for the power deal that was signed by the Power Minister, a Congressman, because this man derives his powers from the Cabinet of thirteen people.

Sometimes we just give a dog a bad name and hang him. That is what the coalition partners have done to the Congress. Why did the members of the Cabinet not resign over the power deal? If the coalition partners had even threatened to do so, the deals would have been scrapped instead of just being temporarily shelved. Those who say nothing while a crime is being committed are as guilty of the crime as those who actually commit it. Silence is consent. Delayed reaction speaks of brazen political opportunism.

Undoubtedly politics has lost its morals, and practitioners of politics are no saints though some are under the delusion that they are on the verge of being canonized. It is therefore pointless to blame any one party of corruption. As an electorate we should insist on a system of evaluation and monitoring of every project/scheme. This will hopefully reduce leakage of funds and prevent politicians from poaching on public revenue. Till such time politicians will continue to play around with public money and there is precious little we can do about that.

For starters the electorate needs to discuss the Donkupar Roy vis-à-vis 'Congress is corrupt', issue threadbare. Let us see how partners in a coalition can claim vegetarianism when they are all sharing from the same rich, fat non-vegetarian plate.

During the World War II days, the British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, used to begin his speech on the radio by saying: "Ladies and Gentleman lend me your ears …" The same call is needed for some disturbing news that has come out from the different parts of the country very recently.

Life imprisonment to a Chennai-based doctor Dr L. Prakash for cyber crime, the arrest of the kingpin of the multi-crore kidney scam Dr Amit Kumar in Nepal and the highly provocative statements against north Indians by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray.

All the above news items have pricked the consciousness of the average Indian and they call for urgent discussion and debate by the people.

L Prakash was sentenced to life term by a fast-track court for making porn videos for websites. This was the first cyber crime case registered under the Information Technology Act that came into force in 2001.

The orthopedic surgeon who was arrested on 14 December 2007 sought sexual favors from his women patients and video-graphed the moments of intimacy. He then sent such CDs labeled as ‘surgical procedures’ to his brother Pradeep Lakshmanan based in the US. Lakshmanan used to upload these pictures on his two pornographic websites www.tamilsex.com and www.realindianporn.com. The sex doctor’s activities came to light after a young lad from Pondicherry complained to the police that Prakash forced him to have sex with women to shoot blue films.

The judge while sentencing Prakash to life term observed that considering the gravity of his offences it would be appropriate to grant him maximum sentence because the crime committed by him was not of an ordinary nature.

Needless to say, the Prakash case is just a tip of the iceberg in the pornographic content that is being generated from India. Media report suggests that pornography has become a trade and this business is flourishing in many parts of the country. Moreover, Chennai’s Burma Bazaar is famous for selling pornographic videos produced in various part of the country.

That apart, however, the conviction of an individual is not enough to handle such an organized crime. Such offences have inter-State and international ramifications. Against this backdrop, the moot point is: What efforts are being made to tackle these crimes? As letting them go unchecked would be an assault on India’s moral character.

The other news that has shocked the country was the arrest and deportation of the kidney transplant racket kingpin Dr Amit Kumar from Nepal to India. The 40-year-old Ayurvedic doctor along with his associates used to illegally procure kidneys from poor people by offering them money or through force and then transplant the kidneys in rich patients who could pay exorbitant fees for them. Kumar’s rich patients came from Britain, US, Turkey, Greece, Lebanon, Canada, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

His racket came to light when the Interpol issued a red corner alert against him following the death of three Turkish nationals, believed to be victims of wrong kidney transplantations at Kumar’s Gurgaon clinic. The police raided his clandestine operation theatre and unearthed the racket. Kumar who had fled to Nepal was finally arrested at a wildlife resort there and was brought to New Delhi.

So far about a dozen other people have been arrested in this 'Dr Horror’s case. There are 6 doctors who are still at large. Not only that. Kumar’s gang has reportedly conducted about 500 illegal kidney transplants in the past one decade.

True, the story about a thriving kidney racket is nothing new as the media has from time-to time been reporting this. Recall, recently a big kidney ring was busted in Chennai. Similar stories have been heard from Hyderabad and other parts of the country. Sadly, apart from making the headlines for a few days such news goes no further.

Every one is aware that kidney transplantation has assumed the proportion of trade around the country. The world’s kidney seekers look towards India to carry out such operations. Invariably, the main donors are poor people who sell their organ for want of money. Shockingly, this gross human rights violation continues unabated.

Clearly, this organized crime needs to be tackled through strict vigil by the law enforcing agencies. However, going by their track record, it seems highly likely that many security personnel are on the pay rolls of many such clandestine operators.

The other outrageous news is the open hate mongering by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray against the north Indians living in Mumbai. Calling the people from UP and Bihar in Mumbai as hooliganism, Thackeray asserted that his Party would not tolerate their activities in Mumbai. Further, with his Party workers targeting north Indians, violence broke out in Mumbai.

The MNS Chief justified his action by arguing that if the Prime Minister could take up the issue of the ban on turbans worn by the Sikhs in France when the French President Nicolas Sarkozy came to India and if the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Karunanidhi could rake up the issue of the problems of Tamils in Malaysia with the Malaysian Government, why couldn’t he take up cudgels for the self-respect of Maharashtrians.

In fact, Raj Thackeray launched the MNS after falling out with his uncle and Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray in 2006. Remember, the rise of the Shiv Sena in 60s and 70’s was due to its anti-Tamil campaign in Mumbai. Later it went on to target the Muslims during the 1992 Mumbai riots and subsequently the north Indians. Importantly, nephew Raj, is using his uncle’s tested formula of ‘we Maharashtrians’ against ‘they north Indians’ to elicit support from the youth for his new party.

The tragedy of it all is that everyone heard Thackeray’s highly provocative statements, yet no one dared to challenge his audacity. Democracy, like often happens, gets sacrificed at the altar of mobocracy. That is India in its pristine form.

Who better that Adolf Hitler who has shown to the world how to play to the gallery. There are quite a few leaders in India who have tried the Fuehrer’s tricks and have even succeeded. Undoubtedly, Raj Thackeray is a new entrant in this game.

In sum, where are all these issues taking India? Are we driving on the highway to hell dreaming of making our country the paradise on earth? Are we soul searching? The fundamental problem lies with the character of the individuals which is reflected in our national character. Unfortunately, we have ceased to produce noble icons like Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, Vinobha Bhave, Baba Amte and many more. That’s the reason why scoundrels like Prakash, Kumar and Thackeray are calling the shots in the country. ---- INFA

Sir,

Assembly elections are round the corner and candidates are leaving no stones unturned in their quest to represent their people even if this means taking extra steps by invoking on money and muscle power as well. The voters are the ones who make or break the political career of many individuals. It's difficult to read the mind of the voters and equally difficult to predict the voting outcome. There are different kind of voters, some of them loyalists to the party (or to the candidate) other follow the political wave in a particular region, some are political analysts where voting is done by taking into account the performance of the present representative and so on. Then there are the illiterates and the educated, the rural and the urban voters.

To many elections is a time of merriment, a once a lifetime fulfillment of one's desires and interest, others an opportunity to exercise their franchise in true spirit and to some, the indifferent voters-it's just another day. However, the entire exercise of what elections mean has somewhere been lost in this political jamboree. Voters are easily fooled and misguided, the media remains biased to one or two candidates and the few that are educated and conscious enough do not think that their participation could make a difference. In a democracy, elections are the only medium where the voice of the people is heard and problems address. It's a right enshrined in the constitution as well. To not vote is a violation of that right. For a democracy to work, maximum participation is mandatory, a bigger turnout means a bigger interest on government formation and the policies enacted and any deviation from the same deserve a drubbing from the supreme voters. Meghalaya is a state that needs a strong political leadership if we are to rub shoulders with the rest of the country and the voters have the right to determine and steer the state in the path of development. What is lacking in this country is the voters' participation in the formulation of government process. The fervour should live on even if elections are over and for this it's important for all voters to exercise their rights and have a say in the overall development of the state. Each vote is precious and each vote counts.

Yours etc.,
Phrangsngi Pyrtuh
Via e-mail

Sir,

Apropos the news item "B'deshis on the rampage in M'laya village" (ST, Feb 11) where it was mentioned that one Bosten Nongbri of Lumjyrmi village was killed by a Bangladeshi mob near Bholaganj on 8th Feb 2008, the matter was investigated by BSF officials and it was revealed that no such intrusion by Bangladeshi miscreants took place. BSF is committed to maintain strong vigil along the border round the clock. By blaming BSF for such an incident other agencies are trying to shift responsibilities. Intrusions in such large scale by alien miscreants into Indian territory, as claimed, is impossible.

Even in the past for the killing of the Custom Official and robbery in a post office in Bholaganj area, the blame was put on Bangladeshi criminals and BSF was blamed for inefficiency. However, when the subsequent incident solved the case, it came to light that both the crimes were committed by local criminals of Bholaganj. In the above case, it cannot be ruled out that the crime could be either a domestic crime or local rivalry.

Yours etc.,
PRO
A&M Frontier BSF
Shillong

NEW DELHI: Amid ongoing war of words with China, India has decided to build a Greenfield airport at strategic Tawang, which Beijing is claiming as its territory.

Commissioned by the North Eastern Council (NEC) for conducting a pre-feasibility study, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has found the proposed site feasible for Visual Flight Rules (VFR) operations for small aircraft.

The site is a ridge area on a hilltop, around 20 km from Tawang town and the project would cost about Rs 220 crore. A portion of the hilltop would have to be chopped off to construct the airstrip, which would handle turboprop aircraft.

Guwahati: Assam police on Thursday arrested five ULFA cadres along with 10 kilograms of RDX explosives from Goroimari in Kamrup district and also recovered one AK-56 assault rifle with 70 rounds of ammunition from Tamulichupa in Barpeta district in two separate operations.

Police informed that both the operations were carried out on the basis of information provided by ULFA militant Manoj Tamuly who was arrested by police here a few days back in connection with the foiled ULFA plan to hijack an aircraft.