Northeast Desk, 3rd April: Anticipating the forthcoming assembly and parliamentary elections, the Political Science Department of Jawaharlal Nehru College (JNC) in Pasighat orchestrated a proactive approach by hosting a state-level symposium. At the heart of the discourse lay the pervasive issue of ‘Money culture in politics – a threat to Democracy.’
Esteemed guests, including Prof. Nani Bath from Rajiv Gandhi University and Retired Group Captain Mohonto Pangging Pao, illuminated the adverse impacts of money in politics. The event, graced by East Siang Deputy Commissioner, Tayi Taggu, saw the active involvement of esteemed personalities such as Registrar Narmi Darang and Doying Gumin College Principal, Dr. Egul Padung.
In the inaugural session, DC Pasighat, Tayi Taggu underscored the collective duty in combatting the influence of money in politics, urging voters to resist the allure of monetary incentives. Echoing this sentiment, Narmi Darang and Dr. Egul Padung stressed the imperative of leveling the electoral playing field for genuine and underprivileged candidates.
Retired Group Captain Mohonto Pangging Pao shed light on the connection between Arunachal Pradesh’s relatively smaller population and the prevalence of money culture in politics. He advocated for the delimitation of constituencies as a potential remedy to alleviate this issue.
Prof. Nani Bath, serving as a resource person, underscored the necessity for systemic reforms to address corruption and money culture, including potential legal recourse to challenge existing constitutional provisions.
Danggen Dameng, Head of the Political Science Department at JN College, Pasighat, highlighted the relevance of the symposium in light of Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s recent apprehensions about money culture in politics. Tapin Lute Tamin, an alumnus of JNC Pasighat, further delved into the topic by illustrating the prevalence of money culture even in student politics.
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