The recent visit of the Minister of State for Steel & Rural Development, Faggan Singh Kulaste, to Mokokchung on 14 and 15 February holds considerable significance, if not historical weight, for the district. It marked a rare instance of a central minister visiting Mokokchung district headquarters after a very long time; it seemed as though Mokokchung district had been intentionally avoided by ministers from the Center.
While his presence marked a rare occurrence, it leaves more questions than answers hanging in the air. It is also a case of whether Mokokchung should be grateful or disgruntled for the minister’s visit – grateful because at least a minister from the Centre visited Mokokchung, or disgruntled because it was a junior minister of state.
While ministers from Delhi frequently visit the northeast region these days, it is believed that their destinations are influenced by the advice of respective state governments. This prompts speculation as to why Mokokchung, one of the oldest and considered a ‘major’ district in Nagaland, had not received a visit from a Central minister for so long. Is it possible that the state government did not actively encourage or “advise” such visits to Mokokchung?
Kulaste’s recent visit, which included stops in Mopungchuket and Impur and an address in Ungma village, appears to be a strategic move. It is reasonable to assume that the Minister of State might not have visited Mokokchung if not for Rahul Gandhi’s earlier visit. In January, the Congress leader drew a massive crowd during his Nyay Yatra campaign. With the Lok Sabha elections looming, the BJP is intensifying its campaign, with Narendra Modi expressing confidence in winning over 370 seats and the BJP-led NDA coalition securing more than 400 seats. It may be recalled that the NDPP, which is an ally of the BJP, narrowly won the last Lok Sabha election in Nagaland against Congress. Aware of the evolving political landscape, the BJP is taking preemptive measures, considering the signs of a resurgent Congress party in Nagaland. As such, they will not take any chances.
Mokokchung used to be a Congress bastion not very long ago, and Rahul Gandhi’s visit stoked the dying embers of the Congress party in Mokokchung and Nagaland. Thus, the Minister of State visited Mokokchung to douse the embers. Otherwise, no minister from the Center would have visited Mokokchung, at least not on the advice of Kohima.
Of course, attributing Kulaste’s visit solely to these factors overlooks the possibility of genuine interest in Mokokchung’s needs. However, political calculations are part of the equation without a doubt; reducing the visit to a mere political game disregards the district’s genuine concerns. Mokokchung faces challenges in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and an array of other aspects.
Did Kulaste’s visit offer concrete solutions to these issues, or were they overshadowed by political agendas? Mokokchung deserves more than fleeting visits and political calculations. It needs sustained attention, concrete development plans, and a focus on its specific needs, regardless of which party holds power.