Politicians or Martians?

09 September, 2008

The minute politicians assume office, they conduct themselves like Martians. They should be treated on a par with the normal, average, tax-paying citizens of India. They should share the pains and pleasures of their governance with the common man.

POLITICIANS ARE ordinary people who are voted to power by the ordinary people of this country. But the minute they assume office, they conduct themselves like ones from the planet Mars! When these politicians descend on the poor earthlings especially those who live in small towns, the roads are cleaned, potholes are filled and garbage is cleared. What are the benefits such elaborate labour generates? They whiz past in long motorcades in just a few seconds, maybe admiring their faces in the huge banners put up all along the way! The hectic activity prior to their visit makes us wonder why so much activity should precede their visit. We, the people, would also like to travel by pothole-free and garbage-free roads. Would it not be appropriate if they too travelled on roads which are in the customary dilapidated condition so they get to know what ordinary citizens endure everyday while commuting?

Why are the politicians of India not treated on a par with the normal, average, tax-paying citizens of India? It is because of their miscalculations and their inability to plan ahead that we are in permanent discomfort. It is a well known fact that the whole country is reeling under power shortage. We, the small-towners endure six hours of power shut-down everyday. But on Sept 5, to our immense joy, power was not shut down and we unwisely presumed that the problem had been sorted out. Later it came to light that a national-level VVIP was in our town for an inaugural function. The routine of six hours of power shutdown was resumed the very next day.

Even when State-level VIPs come visiting, the electricity squandered is rather shameful. The long stretches of road which the VIP is scheduled to pass by are lit from the previous night. Sometime back, when a State VIP’s granddaughter got married at our town, all the streets and roads were lit up with colour bulbs for three to four days. On the other hand, many small time entrepreneurs who depend on electricity (like dyeing units, iron welders, flour mills, carpenters and roadside garage electricians) have been seriously affected by power shutdown. Power outage has jeopardised their livelihood. Are the ordinary tax-payers impressed by all this pomp and show of power? Certainly not. All that we ask is some basic comfort and needs so we are able to go about our duties in a hassle-free way.

Politicians too are citizens of India and so why this discrimination? They too should share the pleasures and pains of their governance with other citizens. After all, they are not from Mars!