The Great Indian Presidential Challenge
It doesn’t get worse than this. Indian politics has stooped to a new low by sullying even the hitherto relatively pure position of the first citizen of India. Right from petty regional politics to relentless mudslinging, no stone is being left unturned in what has truly become yet another political war of sorts.
Our chosen representatives have laid before us two options. One is a trusted faithful of the so called first family of India. Her sole claim to the title is perhaps that she would hence become the first woman President of India. In the meanwhile, we are expected to conveniently forget that she has been charged with serious financial irregularities and shielding her kin from the law, the very law we expect her to uphold as President. The other contender is no better off. His claims resting on the many friends he has across various political parties. Is this what we want out of our President?
But like always, the voice of the common man was silenced at the very beginning. President Kalam, the common man’s undoubted choice, was unceremoniously dumped from the race. In his tenure, President Kalam brought new meaning to his post. Apart from commanding the respect of one and all, he refused to be a silent spectator. He involved himself in numerous social causes and also did his best to keep a marauding government in check. But then, good things don’t last too long do they?
In the end, however, I think this whole presidential saga was best summarized by Jug Suraiya in an editorial column in the Times of India. He was flying once out of Delhi, when his flight was delayed by more than an hour because of the arrival of a VIP, Mr Shivraj Patil, who was unapologetic despite having delayed so many people. And when Mr Suraiya tried to cover this incident in a news article, his efforts were suppressed due to political pressure. Hence, Mr Suraiya dearly wanted Mr Patil to become the President, so that he gets his own chartered flight and doesn’t delay anybody else. This is about the only way politics affects the common man anymore. Isn’t it?
I guess you can find relief from the fact that now Kalam will go back to the work he does best, research and contribute to the nation. The post of the president is quite unimportant, although Kalam tried still he could not stop the will of the government.
Anyways a nice start man. Keep it going.
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Another Puppet in the Making | Shubh - Hub said this on July 19, 2007 at 12:05 pm