The dust has settled over Jayalalitha becoming chief minister. But the mud continues tostick. The Constitution has been mauled by experts. They interpreted it expediently. Theykilled its spirit. It's time to ask: Is the Indian Republic dying?
Thanks to experts, earlier a non-MP, even a foreign citizen, could become primeminister. Now a criminal can become chief minister.
Experts say that in appointing a CM the "governor's discretion" isparamount. Aren't the Constitution and rule of law paramount? Must this obvious truthbe reiterated at every stage of our written Constitution?
Now Dawood, Veerappan and Dara can, if supported by a legislative majority, become CMs.As CMs they can withdraw cases against themselves. After committing murder they candisallow investigation of their own crimes. Only, they must enjoy a majority in the House.Such is the written law if interpreted literally. Donkeys who parade as experts havemisinterpreted law to make it an ass.
India stands at the crossroads. It faces the most critical time in economic and foreignpolicy. There is great danger and great opportunity. Things can end in breakthrough orbreakdown.
And it is at this critical juncture that our republic is tottering. A crumblingconstitution threatens the system. bjp infighting threatens the government.
Why do BJP factions fight? The stated reasons differ sharply from the real reasons.Corruption is not the real issue. Does the rss seriously believe that the unproved"corruption" of Brajesh Mishra is worse than the unproved "corruption"of Advani? That Jaswant Singh's kowtowing to America is qualitatively different fromthe kowtowing to China of Sudarshan and Ashok Singhal?
The BJP factions appear to be proxies of competing commercial and foreign interests.Today, all parties appear to be remote-controlled by foreign godfathers. Politics isfurther complicated when individual loyalties are switched for survival or gain.Foreigners seem to call all the shots.
This is the context in which the future of our government, of talks with Pakistan, andthe future of the subcontinent is being determined. Governance will not be restored bypolitical realignments. More MPs will not restore legitimacy to Vajpayee'sgovernment. The system will not be salvaged by Justice Venkatachaliah's committee.
Only a national debate, a new agenda, a new struggle and a new mandate can save theIndian Republic.
Of brightness bereft,
And not being deft,
We're caught in a cleft—
Turn right? Turn left?
