Political Diary

New Delhi, 20 September 2014

State Funded Narcissism

NEO-MAHARAJAS TAKE IT ALL!

By Poonam I Kaushish

The more things change the more they remain the same. Daily we are treated to some mindless antics, inane tantrums, silly shenanigans et al by our rulers. Of which ‘follow-no-rules’ is a fundamental part, instead they rule by law. No IDs’, no frisking and long queues, lal batti gaddis filled with gun-toting bodyguards jumping red lights to exhibit their ‘power’ might. God forbid, if anyone questions their misdemeanor, be prepared for open fury. Main khaas aadmi hoon, tum kaun?

While some would dismiss the Orwellian syndrome I-am-more-equal-than-you nee VIP culture as fallout of the colonial mindset and feudal intent, all concur this in-your-face boorishness of our VIPs is omnipresent. Juxtaposed with the Oliver disorder of always-asking-for-more alongside the high octane decibels of Saada Haq whereby, just about everybody, who’s anybody abuses power and public resources topped by being protected all at our expense.

The list of our neo-Maharajas replete with the power trappings that go with it is impressive: Ministers, MPs, netas, bureaucrats, judges, spiritual leaders, criminal-politicos and leaders kin. Worse, a threat perception becomes a symbol of power! Sic.

Last week we were treated to three high jinxes of our VIPs. Foremost political chameleon RLD Chief and ex-Minister Ajit Singh’s bratishness for being asked to vacate his 5-acre ministerial plush Lutyens bungalow which he has occupied for hold your breadth, 37 years. First he petulantly argued that BJP leaders too had illegally occupied mansions during the UPA rule so why single him out?

When this fell on deaf ears he wanted the house converted to a memorial of his father ex Prime Minister Charan Singh which was refused as a 2000 order barred Lutyens bungalows being converted to memorials.  Singh then got his Bharatiya Kisan Union goons to demonstrate against the Government who threatened to cut off Delhi’s power supply if their leader was not allowed to retain his house.

Why is Singh refusing to vacate? Simply because where can one get a Burra Sahib lavish seven-star bungalows with manicured lawns, growing wheat and vegetables, furniture, air-conditioners, fridges and maintenance to boot, down to a Rs 10 tube-light all for free. So what if it cost the tax payer an extra Rs 60 crore annually.

Lutyen’s Delhi is absurdly being treated as a holy cow. Think. Each house could be sold to wealthy Indians between Rs 200-Rs 350 crores, cut into 1000-2000 sq yards plots and auctioned to the highest bidder thereby netting the Government thousands of crores or rented out for Rs 25-50 lakhs monthly. Bad luck, the hoi polloi, packed like sardines live in tin boxes atop each other.

It doesn’t end just there. Two, 15 Karnataka MLAs went trapezing in Europe for 18-days even as parts of the State were flood-hit. A nonchalant Chief Minister Siddaramaiah shrugged his shoulders by asserting he was not aware of it. Recall, when large parts of the State were reeling under drought 100 legislators went on a junket to Australia and New Zealand. Following public outcry, the Government conveniently amended ‘rules’ to allow MLAs subject-specific tours.

Three, our Right Honourables are demanding that when they fly, they should be allowed to access the airport through a special entrance, pushed to the head of the line with priority check-ins, treated to freebie refreshments in first-class or priority lounges and be assigned an airline representative to handle all their needs and escort them to the plane. Not only on Sarkari broke Air India or Indian Airlines, but private airlines as well. Notwithstanding, they don’t deserve this extra importance. All at our expense.

Raising a moot point: Haven’t we had enough? Do they actually deserve this extra importance? Considering, most rulers barely discharge their responsibilities honestly and honourably. Do our leaders know the reality of Asli Bharat which they ad nauseum vow to protect? Do they care a damn? Aren’t symbols of authority contrary to the basic feature of republicanism enshrined in our Constitution? Whatever happened to democracy by the people, of the people, for the people?

There can be no argument that leaders deserve special treatment. However, it’s conveniently forgotten that the handling is reserved only for offices they hold, not for the individuals per se. The President, Prime Minister, Chief Justice, Cabinet Ministers, Chief Minister, Speaker etc are protected across the world.

At the same time, a fundamental precept of democratic governance is equality of all citizens before the law regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, religious or political beliefs and affiliations, caste, class or economic status. Unlike a colonial, feudal or totalitarian regime, in a democracy the rule of law applies equally to all citizens. No public servant, not even the President or Prime Minister, is above the law.

Alas, we seem to live in an India where only VVIPs matter, living life in the slim strip called ‘official’ in a race for privilege. Wherein there is a wide chasm between the aam aadmi and our khaas aadmis. Leading to increasing frustration, disconnect and contempt for the rulers which results in defiance by people at large.

Not for our neo-Maharajas the fact there's something demeaning about the idea of VIPs, something inherently undemocratic. As it militates against the idea of equality, for the simple reason that it makes citizens inferior to rulers. When red beacons and police protection become status differentiators and they come at the cost of the dignity of the ordinary citizen, there’s reason enough to challenge the idea and rip it apart.

Clearly, the don’t-you-know-who-I-am’ VIP term is outdated in a democracy. That over one billion people should be beholden and subservient to their undaata is anathema and does not hold.  It is ironic that those elected to serve the people deny the very people they serve access to themselves.

Contrast this with developed democracies where equality before the law governs the demeanour of public servants. In America baring a sitting President all others are frisked. Public officials routinely drive their own cars, meet people, go to restaurants and mingle with the hoi polloi.

Sweden believes in sticking to the rules and rejoices in its complete absence of hierarchies. Everyone is treated the same, from company CEO to its cleaner, except of course, the King. Name-dropping is considered extremely embarrassing. In New Zealand two years ago, the Prime Minister’s convoy driver was caught over-speeding, faced the legal process and was promptly served with regulatory notices.

Plainly, our leaders need to dispense with the jo hukam sarkar culture and dismantle their privileged fortresses, financial pampering and perks if we have to survive as a nation. This would force them to experience the pathetic state of affairs in Mera Bharat Mahan and understand how democracy is undermined when VVIPs break all rules, usurp flights and train seats and how unsafe public transport is for women.

As a new generation comes of age our rulers need to remember a home-truth: Democracy is based on the fundamental premise of equality for all. Gone are the days when leaders were revered, today they symbolise everything that plagues India, warts and all. If they don’t change they will become increasingly irrelevant. We do not need gestures which total zilch. What gives? ----- INFA 

(Copyright, India News and Feature Alliance)