Aam Admi and Unholy Cows

Aam Admi and Unholy Cows

The French history will never forget the remark that if there is no bread go and eat cakes. That was a beginning of a Renaissance in France. A political party which conducted its annual convention in a five star hotel (named Renaissance) and practiced India shining was also thrown out by Indian Citizens. It is a subtle example that how the politicians should not behave. But today we have leaders like the MoS External Affairs who remark people traveling by the economy class flights as cattle class. I do not know what will be his words for people traveling by second class in trains or for that matter on bullock carts. A constituency which he represents has 60% population as rural population who may not even have bullock carts. Congress spokesperson says that the comment is not in sync with the Indian politics but is the gentleman in sync with Indian sentiments and history of Congress party. The foundation of the party was strengthen by a leader who shed his lawyers suits and adopted Khadi. Even the MP from Thiruvananathapuram in his book – Nehru, the invention of India writes “to put his principles into practice, the Mahatma lived a simple life of near absolute poverty in an ashram & traveled across India in third class railway compartment”. I think that is austerity. But someone who has lived 30 years outside India may not understand the concerns and issues of India. A person who can put his foot in mouth in India has a potential to be a diplomatic disaster for India.

Anyways the track record of MEA is also not working in his favor. MEA has turned a blind eye towards Chinese incursions. It has failed to do anything for Indian citizens in Australia. No headway by MEA with Pakistan to investigate the accused of Mumbai attacks. Fresh attacks on Indian priests in Nepal and helplessness of Indian embassy despite having advance information on same. Nothing done for welfare of Tamils (civilan population) in Sri Lanka at Diplomatic level. Goof up by India on Indo-pak joint statement. Delay in Passport Seva project and more. But the Foreign Ministry was very quick to take the issue of Sharukh Khan detention in US with the US authorities. With the said ministers the priorities of Ministry of External Affairs are quite evident. Further individuals known for their pro-US and pro-Israel views can never frame up an independent foreign policy for India.

We also need to understand the reference made to holy cows as to the cattle class. The two congress leaders reported in media for their austerity measures and traveling by economy class were UPA Chairperson Smt Sonia Gandhi and Finance Minister, Pranab Mukehrjee. The tallest leader of the congress party and the most powerful person (wrt to finances) in India have been referred as holy cows ( or it was entire political class) . It is strange that the congress leaders and even the opposition is keeping mum on it. Having told to move from a five star hotel the leader has shifted to Navy Guest House. But why not Kerala Bhawan ? When he wants to make its capital a world class city, why not begin with kerala bhawan in Delhi. But some one who was not born in Triruvananathapuram , nor was educated there and is not even fluent in Malyalam may not understand the sentiments of Indian citizens. During elections he was seen in Khadi, hugged babies, threw garlands but appears that the marketing and advertising is over. The product has already been sold out and the constituency has paid a heavy price for it.

Modest Chairman of UID Authority of India has shifted to Karnataka Bhawan, drives his own Indigo, moves without a red light or security personnel and may be he is amongst the richest man in country (with infosys shares),. Our leaders must understand that politics is opportunity for Public Services and not an opportunity to earn name and fame or travel by business class. . Congress party must learn that appearance is not everything - substance is also important. Jyanthi Natrajan says that the Ministers are the prerogative of the Prime Minister but Dr Singh could have taken him as Princial Secretary on Foreign Affairs in rank of MoS. Why elections and Minister ship. Ticket for Lok Sabha election was the prerogative of Congress party. In my submission the MoS must be relieved from his ministerial duties so that he can stay in a five star hotel and can travel in Business class.