20th March

Shun Hate Speak

The article talks about the misconduct of Varun Gandhi when he gave provocative speech which has attracted EC’s attention. While BJP distances itself from the incident, the author suggests BJP should in fact ban Varun Gandhi from contesting election this time.

While BJP’s action is commendable, it is important that a consensus should be built among all the political parties in the country to resist any hate speeches against any community. So far only Shiv Sena has endorsed Varun Gandhi’s statements. Varun Gandhi faces a criminal case for inciting communal violence and EC has booked him as well as BJP for violating the modal code of conduct. The party is expected to reply to EC by Friday. What is needed for BJP at this time is to ask Varun Gandhi to side step from the election process. BJP is fighting elections to gain confidence at the centre and Varun Gandhi is not the face they should carry with them to build a credible and stable govt. He should be asked to clear his record first. This way BJP would also set an example for other parties to follow. 

Such misconduct should not only be confined to law. Political parties should adhere to the code of conduct and Constitution to ensure that political process is carried out in right manner. Proactive actions by parties in this direction would ensure communal topics remain distant from election agendas.

Play It Straight

The article condemns the political game played around IPL and elections which would only put the public life in danger.

Recently, the Delhi CM Shila Dikshit and Delhi Daredevils’ representatives held talks to bring back the IPL matches to Delhi despite explicit warning by the Delhi Police commissioner over insufficient security. This is serious because political and monetary gains are given preferences over security issues which is just not right. The CEC N Gopalaswami has hinted for more troops required for elections. The Central govt has thrown the ball on State govt’s court to provide security by refusing to provide paramilitary forces for IPL. UPA would never want to have a terrorist attack during IPL under its tenure. But cancellation is not a popular mandate. Passing on the game to State govt is a political tactic but BJP has tried to take political advantage of this situation. They offered to host games in BJP run states from Congress run states to point out that Congress has been soft on terror. 

Implications of attack on IPL would reach far beyond just cricket and Lahore is the most recent example. Due weightage should be given to inputs from security professionals and politicians should be kept out of decision making process.