Indra’s Drishtikona (Viewpoint)

Loosers move to Upper House

Posted : June 24, 2004 at 6:32 am [IST]

Is it ethical for these great political leaders to loose an election, fail to get a popular mandate and then get somehow in the Upper House? Why should it not be banned by some electoral reform legislation? But why do these people try so frantically to get in? Are they going there because there will be none to represent the people whom they love and pity simultaneously so much? Are they short of means to carry on the life without the salary as MP? Are they worried of loosing the cozy accommodation and other perks without which they can not fight their next election? Why can not they go back to their earlier profession? Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi could have gone to his university. But by now he must have forgotten the physics. Perhaps there is some rule where a person working in some private or public company can not fight an election. The rule must be dropped. Some months ago, one CM talked about the capability of a leader of opposite party. “He or she will not get even a clerical job based on qualification.” Is the same true for these MPs that are craving for somehow getting into Rajya Sabha? But more surprising is the entry of Miss Mayawati with personal assets of Rs. 15 crore to Rajya Sabha after winning a Lok sabha seat from Akabarpur in UP. What can be her intention? As per one report, she will be made vice chairperson of the House with an understanding with Congress. That will make her immune from any action in case of adverse report of CBI in Taj corridor corruption case or disproportionate asset case.

Surprising is also the interest shown by big industrialists such as Anil Ambani and film artist such as Jaya Bachhan to become the member. Has Rajya Sabha become a great club whose memberships are sold at premium? A story appeared sometime back that Industrialists are buying the legislators whose vote matters. Is it for serving the country or to enlarge the influence of circle with members of political parties and ministers who will be important for their business interest? I really pity Anil Ambani. He was doing extremely fine the way he was managing his lobbying through political heavy weights. He would have been doing great for Reliance by concentrating on his business expansion. We were hoping to see Reliance ranking one in first ten of the biggest companies of the world. Will his involvement Rajya Sabha work not affect his contribution to his company. But I am sure he must have weighed the pros and cons and decided for this membership. The opened door to Rajya Sabha may help in growth of Reliance too. Anil may be trying to cut cost of lobbying through third party. And how silly, there is stay by EC. Both Jaya and Anil are awaiting result with suspense. Will they be relishing it? But Shri Amar Singh must have prepared them for all these eventualities.

Perhaps everywhere we go on showing our basic primitive colours. After all, MPs are also human beings with all human instincts and aspirations. Why should they not take all the advantages and benefits that they can manage because of their today’s strength? Who knows what happens tomorrow.

- Indra

Category: Indian politics |