It is deeply concerning that the culture of entitlement within Uttarakhand’s ruling BJP and its affiliates continues to push the boundaries of constitutional propriety. The latest incident, in which the Director, Basic Education, Ajay Kumar Naudiyal, was assaulted in his office in the presence of Raipur MLA Umesh Sharma ‘Kau’, shows a disturbing disconnect with reality. A culture has developed in which the followers of politicians have come to believe that they are above the law, and proximity to power provides them immunity to indulge in all kinds of hooliganism.
The assault has naturally angered the state’s government employees and they have threatened to launch protest actions if appropriate action is not taken in the matter. From the point of view of a government that will be seeking the people’s mandate not so long from now, such recurring incidents – along with the dramatic rise in serious crimes – this should be a warning call. Alienated government employees can play a major role in influencing public opinion this way or that.
The flaws in governance that have created this situation need to be examined by the powers that be, if there is any desire to correct the situation. Of course, if the BJP already believes that it hasn’t a chance of returning to power and the remaining period is to be used for other objectives, it can continue to remain complacent and go down the present line.
It is a psychological thing. If vigilante groups are to be unleashed with government backing against certain individuals and communities, it is only natural that these ‘enforcers’ will forget the laid down boundaries. Sadly, most of these are misled youth who believe they are performing a patriotic and social duty, but end up turning into history-sheeters with ultimately little hope of a bright future. A few only make it up the political ranks. And, all this while, their leaders watch on, in the belief that it is all leading to political dividends.
As mentioned earlier in this column, the over-dependence on PM Modi for capturing votes may not prove the sure-fire strategy as is believed. The fight remains tight, as always, and it is only the lack of a new generation charismatic leader that prevents a Congress revival in the state. However, if things continue as they are in the present, even that advantage may be lost to the BJP. That is the way hubris has worked through history.
