6th February

Power to Block

The author talks about the recent SC judgement over the legitimacy of strikes, famously called bandhs, by the political parties. He also talks about the ill effects of this judgement on a public life at large.

The judgement by SC has mentioned that the bandhs are merely expressions of feeling, which is entitled to everyone in a democracy. The SC order comes as a revoke to the earlier ruling by Kerala High Court in 1997 which constituted the present CJ K G Balakrishnan. The author criticizes the ruling with an argument that no party in a democracy has a right to halt the routine activities of citizens, especially who are on daily wages. The author also explains the difference between the general strike and a corporate strike (owing to disputes between workers and management). The general strikes are a good thing in dictatorship where citizens have no other alternative. Strikes by Gandhiji were against British government and were peaceful and voluntary. But contemporary strikes by political outfits are mostly violent and forced. 

The author questions the need of the Tamilnadu strike which had nothing to do with central and state government but something in the different nation. Can we afford it? The author, finally, appeals SC to contemplate the issue once more.

Marriage and Morals

The author has depicted the morality play executed by the ex-CM of UP, Kalyan Singh, on his sudden ‘change of heart’ on the Babri issue.

While SP reads the statements of Kalyan Singh as an apology and mollifies the Muslim supporters who are uncomfortable with the alliance, it is important to know that Kalyan Singh has clearly stated his intention to prevent BJP from coming into power. It is also to be noted that Kalyan Singh doesn’t see any future in BJP right now and the sees SP as a party for his son, Rajveer, in future. Thus, his current statements are based on political compulsions. His intensions to escape the sin of Babri demolition execution is understandable and should not be confused with moral enlightenment. 

Political alliances are often targeted to get the chair and SP is well using Kalyan Singh to expand its vote bank. Voters need to understand this and need to fall for the morality play of Kalyan Singh.