What got me writing on this widely discussed public topic was a television interview of two of the younger lot of Parliamentary MLAs, one saying he was the BPL faction and accusing the other of being with the five star lots. Both admitted frankly to their lifestyles on either side of the divide! What surprised me is that they acknowledged that the people are questioning politicians VIP status, privileges and perks they enjoy, wastage of public funds and their role in functioning of Parliament, high time to openly show a mirror to our elected representatives and all of us jointly work to rectify this “political class” malaise.
They themselves are divided in terms of attitude and lifestyles but have legislated laws and rules to keep them as our rulers. With the help of bureaucracy, they have learnt the art of robbing Peter to pay Paul. They can always rely on the support and loyalty of Paul. Instead of unity, use religion, caste and language to emotionally divide the people. From the politicians spawned since our Independence, sixty eight years down the line, we see deterioration in Parliament to shouting, unruly behavior and lack of grace which has become the culture, dirty politics replacing disciplined dignified discussion and debate in the nations interest!
It is obvious that “We the People” will have to change this system that has got out of hand and us helplessly into the machinations of those we elect. In fact it is they who manipulate whom we can elect and then lord it over us. The law makers want to have special privileges and be above the law. The attitude of most politicians when it concerns themselves remains the same. To close the door on whistle blowers, penalizing bribe givers is cleverly sought to be legislated and also restricting who can be a whistleblower! The bribe giver henceforward dare not be a witness to exposing those who forced them to give bribes to expedite their work? The amended Lok Pal Bill seeks to exempt details of assets of MLA’s wife and children and so on.
Let us firmly make politicians acutely aware that we have elected them, want accountability as they are in the people’s employ. The government pays their salaries, allowances and allows them perks so they devote themselves in public interest with honor and dignity. But they say they are not public employees and therefore RTI does not apply to them! Why do we call them honorable MLAs? They all take an oath on appointment to the job, are expected to uphold the Constitution of India and guide this nation prudently with transparency and accountability! As a multi-faceted, multi-religious, multi-lingual people, we must strive to live in prosperity for all and internal peace which is only possible with unity in diversity.
The eulogies for Dr APJ Kalam in Parliament sounded hollow when they called him a Jewel of India. They would not give this people’s President a second term but replaced him with Pratibha Patil! The first thing Kalam reportedly did when appointed is change the oblong table for conferences to a round table so he would not have to sit at the head but as equal. The next change was at Presidential receptions not only the big wigs and Hoi Polloi would be invited but also ordinary workers. Protocol had to be firmly reworked! When he found that the Constitution said that Parliament consists of the President, Lok and Rajya Sabha, attorney general Soli Sorabjee says he called him for consultation as to the exact role of a President. Among the many questions was “What happens if I do not agree with ministerial advice, return the matter and it comes back same after reconsideration?” The AG told him he is bound to act according to ministerial advice. Kalam asked with a twinkle in his eye “If I don’t what happens?” The AG skirted the question saying it was hypothetical. He knew Kalam being a human being par excellence, would abide by the discipline of the Constitution.
Priority must be given to seriously dismantling the VIP class syndrome! This is a remnant of the Raj, demeans us and most of the problems stems from this sense of lofty superiority that being a VIP and MLA bestows on the political class. Secondly, if a country is to become a nation of beautiful minds, there are three key basic societal members who can make a difference: a good father, mother and competent teacher. Thirdly we have to nurture and elect people of honesty, integrity and ability by exhibiting such qualities in ourselves first! Someone who is not a Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh etc or a Punjabi, South Indian and so on, but an Indian first, who will abide by the Constitution and uphold the law equally and impartially, “Be You So High or Low”. Unfortunately whether true or not, the symbolic general opinion where all are tarred with the same brush is “Sub Chor Hai”, when onion and daily essentials prices keep remaining high, Parliament canteen is indecently subsidized, essential police and administrative reforms not forthcoming and politics of reservations and scams keep prevailing. It behooves politicians to regain public trust and respect by working honestly to obviate this exclusive political class label and embrace democratic polity as envisaged in the Constitution they swear by!
(The author is a retired naval officer resident in Porvorim.)
