The battle to apportion credit
for the ordinance rollback is indeed amusing. The ordinance that emerged out of
the desire of politicos cutting across party lines to remain in the reckoning
despite being convicted of crimes was processed in total disregard to the
orders of the apex court and the need for probity in public life. Now that the
prince has called the bluff, the race amongst different political dispensations
to assume credit for the withdrawl has indeed assumed hilarious proportions.
The proposed ordinance followed
by the bill was definitely against the concept of ethics and probity in public
life. Unfortunately our political system has degenerated to such an extent that
it has become almost impossible for a decent guy to aspire to become a public
representative. While the court order is a major step in cleaning the stables, what
is ultimately required is to evolve a system that attracts and retains good
guys in governing the nation through the political route.
In the melee caused by the
battle, the primary issue with tremendous ramifications did not perhaps get the
attention it so rightfully deserves. The issue is the sudden and abrupt
reversal of a cabinet decision of the government of India at the calling of an individual even if the individual is dead right. The reasons are
right, yet the methods are wrong.
While the nation appreciated the
bold, desirable and much needed line taken by the prince, the sanctity of a
cabinet decision of the republic that needs to be maintained has been violated. Had the cabinet on its own reversed the
decision after self introspection it would not have caused consternation
amongst the populace, but now it has. A situation wherein a Member of
Parliament is placed on a mantle higher than the cabinet of the republic
is undoubtedly sad, irrespective of the party in power.
It is a downhill race to doom. With
each passing day we witness a new low in the conduct of our leaders and institutions.
During discussions, a leading industrialist recently highlighted the sloth in
the judicial system of the country wherein decisions are for sale almost
everywhere with only rare exceptions. The rot in the executive system is also so
deeply entrenched and acceptable that people feel slighted only when work does
not get despite bribe being paid.
And the race to be the blue eyed
boys at the expense of the nation is indeed getting murkier by the day. But
what has really taken the cake is the conduct of the present dispensation
rising in unison to turn down what they only earlier proposed. Perhaps they also knew what they were doing was wrong.
The silver lining however is that
right seems to have ultimately prevailed despite politicos cutting across party
lines willing otherwise. Long live the prince.
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