The kings of democracy

When the idea of democracy was born, it was envisaged as the ultimate governance, where every individual would have equal rights and the world would be a better place to live. Instead of the rule of muscle, people would choose who would form the laws, who would ensure that right policies are in place so that the people get the best life possible and are able to live without fear or subjugation.

People needed leaders amongst them to form their voice and make sure the state machinery is run efficiently so that the state makes progress and there is development for all.

These leaders were supposed to come up with policies and promises, and the people would then choose which leader is best suited to serve their interests.

However, when these leaders are elected, they get power – power to control the state, power to control finances, power to control the lives of the people. And, when one tastes power, they never want to part with it. They become corrupt. Interests of the people become too irrelevant (the same interests that they are supposed to protect).

The present day leaders/politicians no longer have the welfare of people in mind, it is all about power now. They live like kings. The moment someone gets elected to some Government office (MLA, MLC, MP, etc), their wealth starts multiplying. How do the politicians get so wealthy that almost all of them have wealth in crores?

These politicians are supposed to be the representatives of the people. But, how accessible are they? Especially if they are in power! And, when you do get a chance to meet any of them, they have so much air about them. One gets a feeling as if one is meeting a king! And, all the office staff – PA, clerk, security – everybody is so very ill mannered too. Why should they have the power? How different  are they from the emperors of the past? Just that they have to keep a guise on top of them!

And, we have heard so many cases of politicians misusing their power – slapping people, delaying flights, even making trains stop at stations where they are not supposed to stop! The list is long. We have so many accusations of politicians even getting people tortured and killed if they do not meet their demands! And, they are supposed to represent us and work for our welfare!!!

Common man like me has so many grievances about the state of democracy in India, that it will take ages to pen everything down. I will stop here – coming up next would be thoughts on why Indian democracy is a farce! It is better than many other countries, but it still isn’t real democracy!

Get fame on anyone’s expense – Rahul Bhatt case

I am not a great fan of Mahesh Bhatt’s ideology and his thought process. On many occasions I have not agreed to his views. As he adds years to his life, I feel he keeps making irrational statements. But, this is one time when I empathize with him. He, and his family, have become the latest victims of the typical shortcut to two minutes of fame.

Some unknown party in Gujrat, vandalized a theatre that was playing a Mahesh Bhatt movie – Tum Mile. Reason? Well, the party (MGP) claims that Rahul Bhatt (Mahesh Bhatt’s son) is a traitor and he is hand in gloves with David Headley – the accused terrorist for plotting the Mumbai carnage on 26th November 2008.

Time and again we have seen such parties, like MGP, trying to get some amount of fame by creating ruckus over any issue that might have a hint of igniting any passion in India. In this case, MGP is trying to evoke nationalism and get some visibility.

However, there are multiple things wrong here:

1. There is no conclusion that Rahul Bhatt was an associate of David Headley, hence there is absolutely no way someone can start accusing him, or his family

2. From whatever transcripts of David Headley’s emails have been released, all references to Rahul Bhatt seem like a code word to refer to Mumbai

3. Vandalising theatres and other property is an un-tolerable offence, a clear criminal act

4. As the Bhatt’s put it, there are so many important people who couldn’t figure out that David Headley was a terrorist – Pritish Nandy (promoter of Moksh Gym where David Headley was a member), Indian embassy that provided visa to David Headley, the people who let out office space to him, and so on. If no one is blaming them, why single out Rahul Bhatt?

There can be lot of arguments on this issue. Bottom line is that no one has the right to destroy any property and commit acts of vandalism. These people bring shame to our country! My head hangs in shame!

Thoughts and wishes

Like anybody else, I have thoughts on almost all topics under the sun. These are thoughts that keep taking all the lonely space in my mind. Whenever I am alone, my mind keeps picking up topics, and churns thought after thought. I yearn to give vent to these thoughts. The concept of blogging is a God-sent avenue for me to be able to ease out my mind and relieve my soul of these very thoughts.

 

At times, I also wish, just as all other people. I wish for lots of things. I hope I will be able to articulate these wishes and share them with whoever might reach my blog by chance. If you are reading my blog, expect to read my thoughts, and my wishes. Hope some of these thoughts make some difference to the society, and some of my wishes come true so that we get a better world to live in :)