Why are people so elated over the resignation of the politicians “responsible” for the Bombay attacks? For once, something concrete has happened, I keep hearing – heads have rolled, CM, Deputy CM, Home Minister of Maha, Home Minister blah blah – so tell me someone, why is this punishment?
Off you go, you are no longer to be held accountable or responsible for what happened? Nobody can question you any more since you have resigned?
I understand, feel the anger against politicians – especially given their fondness for keeping foot firmly in mouth. But with resignations, seems to me they have been let off lightly – does it not make more sense for them to be forced to stay on and answer tough questions. And sort out the mess and mayhem they were responsible for. And offer people – voters, citizens, tax-payers – a plan to ensure this or anything like this does not happen in the future.
Tell me someone, again – why do we think this is a victory for us?
Hello
Isn’t it ironical that politicians are considered”scummier” (for want of a better word) than the terrorists? Why are we gloating? Well, the emotions of the moment – remember the Queen in Alice in Wonderland pronouncing – Off with her head? But perhaps this is the starting point for some concerete action aimed at offering ‘we the people’ better protection. It was so painful to see Bombay in this state, from afar. Perhaps it would have been less painful if I had been in Bombay.
Best
Lubna
Good point, Charu. Unlike the US, administrators don’t face any sort of interview or tough questioning by anyone. True, basically there is no accountability.
Charu, Take the case of Shivraj Patil. There has been a number of blasts in the last one year. He has continued to hold his post after all of them and has done nothing to improve the situation. No one asked him any tough questions after those blasts. Even if he stays in his post after this attack, nothing much will happen to him. There is absolutely no accountability for any public office in India. So this is a victory in the sense that there are few less incompetent politicians in power.
I think the resignations are partly to assign a scapegoat, but also partly to take them out of their current position, so that they don’t continue to repeat the same mistakes, over and over again.
Although, one could argue that Shivraj Patil stayed on his post about 4 years too long, I don’t see anything wrong with the resignations, forced or othewise.
I would much rather have a change and put someone with new ideas and more enthusiasm (hopefully) for the job, rather than persist with the same old hacks, in the forlorn hope that they will mend their ways. Knowing our politicians, I very much doubt they will.
One thing I would like to see change is this : Not have legislators in administrative positions (like Ministries). This is where the electoral equations tend to mess up the pure accountability / responsibility calculations. I would much rather that the PM gets a free hand to appoint administrators to Ministries from outside the Parliament, leaving him free to hire / fire anyone as he wishes, and doesn’t have to be bothered about votes/seats will be the cost.
The sad part is : the only people who can make this change are the legislators, and fat chance of them voluntarily giving up their fiefdoms and money-making opportunities.
First we elect them, then we want to throw them out for their incompetence. Now, how much of a chance is there that these people will not get reelected in their respective costituencies? So, we again elect them. And maybe again will remove them. This cycle will continue as long as we blindly cast votes. That is the problem.
Destination Infinity