CHANGE OR PERISH INDIA AT CROSSROADS…

When the Arab world saw indigenous public discontent, disenchantment, yearning to throw out the corrupt & debauch governments – it was appreciatingly termed – Jasmine revolution, in 2011. It wasn’t a revolution in the classical sense of it, but countries ranging from Yemen to Egypt witnessed public expression of deepseated, angst. It might be too early to assume that Indian masses are beginning to experience similar disenchantment, but some signs are ominously visible.

Let’s look at 2 emerging scenarios…

SCENE 1
“Its is imperative that the CBI dispel the notion of it being a Caged Parrot..”, Justice Ujjal Bhuyan’s rebuke upon the CBI whilst deciding the bail application of Delhi CM, Arvind Kejriwal broods numerous imperatives. Kejriwal has been accused by the Enforcement Directorate, released on bail & thereupon by the CBI to be the mastermind cum kingpin in Delhi Liquor policy scam. Before dwelling on to the political implications and ramifications of Justice Bhuyan’s comment, lets first demystify the ‘Caged Parrot’, idiom. 11 years ago, under Manmohan Singh’s regime, a three judge bench headed by Justice R M Lodha castigated CBI, “CBI has become a Caged Parrot speaking in its master’s voice. It is a sordid saga that there are many masters….”. The SC judges had lashed out at the inefficient, politically manipulated, bogus & frivolous investigation conducted by the so called “fiercely independent”, Central Investigating Agency, investigating the coal scam. Usage of the same phrase to describe CBI in a highly controversial and political case – the Liquor Scam – is a grim reminder - Nothing has Changed.

The FIR filed by the CBI in the junior doctor’s rape case in Kolkata - ruling out any evidence of gang rape, espousing & reinforcing the theory of single handed rape & mutilation of a Lady junior doctor by the only accused. And not holding the hospital staff or any other individual responsible for the dastardly act – hasn’t inspired confidence in the CBI. Much to the chagrin of the opposition parties, like the BJP, the FIR filed by CBI is almost the same as the one filed by Kolkata police. Reason - CBI didn’t find any new evidence… This rape case adds to the list of innumerable case referred to the CBI, which shall see no fresh investigative punch and if I may be allowed to put it bluntly – justice shall never be served. Once again, I am forced to state – Nothing has Changed.

So what did change? Are the allegations of opposition parties like the Congress, Trinamool, Samajwadi, DMK, on the alleged preponderance of political interference by the ruling BJP, the alleged usage of CBI as a political tool to harass the non-BJP parties - really true? Frankly, this is what Trinamool, Samajwadi, DMK, including the BJP used to allege, prior to 2014 Lok Sabha Elections. So, Nothing has Changed.

Realistically - The only change is that Congress party led by Rahul Gandhi has swapped places with former opposition party, the BJP, since 2014.

CBI was a ‘Caged Parrot’, then – continues to be a ‘Caged Parrot’ now…

SCENE 2
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee sitting in an empty hall. White draped chairs neatly tied with blue ribbons – rows of chairs – all empty. At the end of the hall, standing in attendance are government officials & a multitude of media personnel – all waiting for the invitees, agitating doctors. Not a soul turns up. Its an impossible scene – straight out of a Bollywood film, I guess.

Agitating doctors had clearly stated that they would prefer their discussion with the chief minister to be broadcast live on all multimedia platforms. Mamata Didi, didn’t succumb and there she was addressing the masses, in an empty hall, “I have failed in getting the agitating doctors to join me in conversation to resolve the outstanding issues arising after junior doctor’s rape and murder. I have failed my people, as numerous sick & medically unfit Bengalis are suffering due to non-availability of medical services. I am prepared to resign, if that is what leads to resolution and facilities medical services to my people of Bengal”. Normally, such a passionate appeal from Didi, would have brought the multitudes on the streets and painted the agitating medical fraternity as the bane of Bengali Asmita. Bengal would have cried aloud – Shame of the Doctor. But, nothing of the sort happened. Post Lok Sabha 2024, Bengal has changed.

Forget sympathy, Bengal is all set to put aside its biggest cultural, religious and world renowned festivities – the Pujo (Durga Puja)….

Outcries – “Ek je chilo mein, taar bhari dukh, bhari dukh” (Once there was a girl, she was full of sorrow, full of sorrow) inspired from 1969 Satyajit Ray classic film, Goopy Gune Bagha Byne, “Justice for Tillotman”, “Reclaim the Night” – reverberate the streets of Kolkata. Kumhartoli, a colony of idol makers is hardly seeing any footfall of media personnel, Pujo enthusiasts, Bloggers, even householders who worship Maa Durga during Navratras. The Puja committees are not taking the Rs. 85,000/- grant from the state government for Pandals. Eminent personalities are returning their awards to the government in protest, like Chandra Sen, an 80 year old thespian, who returned his Dinabandhu Mitra Puroskar. Such is the disgust in the minds of people that the 33,000 crore Durga Puja economy of Kolkata, is all set to sink this year. Blatant government subversion of Law & Order, protectionism to corrupt, state sponsored & effected protection of criminals & unlawful elements – is the only reason for Kolkata seething with anger & disgust.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Ajay Kumar The writer is Political Commentator & Journalist