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[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he campaign for the 51 Noksen A/C by-polls has begun and it seems with no holds barred. The ruling NPF-led DAN government is confident of winning because it is in power and its agenda is strong and valid. Its major contention is that the NPF is the only party with an uncompromising Naga patriotism.The NPF has reiterated that it has always stood for the rights of the Naga people and will never compromise on resolution of the Naga political issue. Keeping the Naga issue pending for the last 60 years is not an achievement but rather an insult to the Nagas, said Minister for health and family welfare, Imkong L. Imchen. He castigated Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh’s avoidance in officially visiting Nagaland ever since he took over the reins of power ten years ago. Whereas, unlike him other Prime Ministers had at leas found time to visit the State. For this he censured the Congress leaders for failing to convince the Prime Minister to visit us because their masters in New Delhi do not pay heed to them. He elaborated that Congress is “rich” in infighting on their leadership issue and for which the people had lost faith in them. Imkong also reminded the electorate that CM Chang is already a Minister (of Education) and it purely depends on the people of the area to decide whether or not they want to retain the Cabinet portfolio or join the Opposition bench after the results of the by-poll are announced. Unban development Parliamentary Secretary, Zhaleo Rio, said that CM Chang despite being the Lok Sabha MP is back in the State to serve the Nagas in general and his constituency people in particular. Like this, several other NPF leaders have campaigned so far on behalf of their candidate. On the other hand, like any coin which has two sides, the Opposition Congress through MLA, C. Apok Jamir, has reiterated that its candidate, Lima Onen Chang, is a capable, young and promising leader and the choice of the electorate especially the younger generation are in support of him. In this context Apok also alleged that the NPF Government is still running in a crisis over the issue of development. All the Congress Legislators are going on all out campaign from Wednesday (August 28) at Noksen itself. Despite the shortcoming of being a minor Opposition, the NPCC’s contention is that it has a fighting chance to do well this time around. Its message will be that the Congress will win the Lok Sabha elections in 2014 despite all the various scams being highlighted by Opposition parties. Also, if Lima Chang wins, the NPCC will have the legitimate status of a recognized political Opposition with nine MLAs and its CLP leader will be authorized the benefits that accrue to him as Leader of the Opposition. Politics and polls are very interesting. It is said that politics is the first refuge of a gentleman but the last refuge of a scoundrel. From this it follows that politics is one the most interesting games, in fact it is the greatest game in history because it can start wars, peace and development and decidedly impact on the course of human history. Simultaneously, politics can also be a vicious game with no holds barred. No wonder there are numerous MPs in the Lok Sabha with criminal cases pending against them. Hence it is up to the electorate to decide as to who they wish to represent them. And most certainly, both sides are sure to fire salvoes against each other targeting the weaker aspects of the opponent. However, such is all and part of this great game. May the smarter one win it. Good luck and may God bless the electorate according to their choice.