Neo-Maharajas of India

Sadly, yesterday’s princes have been replaced by neo-Maharajas Ministers and MPs who are afflicted by two diseases: Acute Orwellian disorder of “some are more equal than others” and Oliver’s disease, “always asking for more.” While some would dismiss the Orwellian syndrome as fallout of the colonial mindset and feudal intent, all agree on this in-your-face boorishness of our VIPs is omnipresent

The more things change the more they remain the same. Daily we are treated to some mindless antics, inane tantrums, silly shenanigans et al by our rulers. For them, politics translates into the conduct of public affairs for private advantage!The latest high jinxes of our VIPs take the cake. Dissatisfied with their existing freebies they now demand special VIP lanes are earmarked at all airports and railway stations so that they can breeze through.

Never mind, the aam aadmi is crammed in one lane resulting in mammoth traffic backlogs! Question them? God forbid be prepared for open fury. Main khaas aadmi hoon, tum kaun?

This is not all. Their list of demands: Allowed access to the airport through a special entrance, jump queues with priority check-ins, treated to freebie refreshments in first-class or priority lounges and assigned an airline representative to handle their needs and escort them to the plane. Not only on Sarkari broke Air India or Indian Airlines, but also private airlines. All at our expense.

Sadly, yesterday’s princes have been replaced by neo-Maharajas Ministers and MPs who are afflicted by two diseases: Acute Orwellian disorder of “some are more equal than others” and Oliver’s disease, “always asking for more.” While some would dismiss the Orwellian syndrome as fallout of the colonial mindset and feudal intent, all agree on this in-your-face boorishness of our VIPs is omnipresent.

There can be no argument that leaders deserve special treatment. However, it’s conveniently forgotten that the handling is reserved only for offices they hold, not for the individuals per se.Unlike a colonial, feudal or totalitarian regime, in a democracy the rule of law applies equally to all citizens. No public servant, not even the President or Prime Minister, is above the law.Alas, we seem to live in an India where only VVIPs matter.

Think. It cost the tax payer an extra Rs 60 crore annually to maintain their seven-star plush 5-acres mansions with manicured lawns where they grow wheat and vegetables, free pani upto 4000 kl per annum, bijli upto 50,000 units, furniture Rs 30,000, 1,50,000 local calls for 3 telephones and 50,000 free local calls during a year for Internet, air-conditioners, fridges and maintenance to boot down to a Rs 10 tube-light all for free.

Pertinently, with each State boasting of 5-7star Bhawans in Lutyens Delhi with well-anointed rooms; TV, phone, WiFi et al it would be less of a tax burden if our jan sevaks reside there during Parliament’s session and when they come to attend standing committee meetings. Alternatively, they could rent an apartment or house at their own expense like legislators worldwide. Thereby saving the Government some money.

Moreover, do our jan sevaks need a sepoy to protect them from the janata they profess to serve? Scandalously, there is a 1,200% rise in policemen cover for VIPs in Mumbai over the last 5 years, in Punjab 703 VVIPs get security. Shockingly, a 2008 Delhi High Court judgment has been given a quite burial. It reads, “VIP security is obnoxious. It’s nothing but a status symbol, a scandal when a common man is killed on the street and old people strangled and these politicians get so much security at taxpayers’ money.”

By Poonam I Kaushish