KEJRIVAL’S FALL – A LESSON FOR THE AAM AADMI

There will at least be quite a few voters and would-be politicians who will be sad at the resignation of Kejriwal and the subsequent dissolution of the Delhi Assembly. There must have been quite a few voters who, naive they may have been, thought that here was a man who will remove all that is bad in the country. There will at least be quite a few aspiring politicians who thought there was a chance for them also to become a minister or at least an MP or MLA. This may or may not include corrupt politicians who were chucked out of their old parties or may have resigned citing reasons of neglect. Whatever the reasons for the AAP to rise so suddenly, it has been proved that they cannot govern and even if they are able to govern, being in a fragile coalition they will never be able to do anything on their own. They had to depend on the Congress or the BJP for any decision to be taken.

I am not here to write about the AAP’s inefficiency or its leaders’ arrogance or immaturity. I am here to talk about the dangers of electing a party that has to depend on a coalition to form a government. I am here to write about the dangers of voting regional parties in the national election. Regional parties are just that – regional. Most of them don’t have a national presence nor do they have a national agenda, or their leaders have a national perspective or view. They come into power due to some regional issues and they never grow above that. They may good to form a state government and may even be able to do a good job at that.

Voters generally vote for the regional and communal parties only because of their selfish interests. Most regional parties are community based and they promise every form of subsidy or freebie to their community and get the votes. Later they hold the whole coalition to ransom and get their demands met. These demands are never in the interest of the whole nation or even sometimes not in the interest of the whole state where the coalition is in power. We have seen how communal parties with minority status have been able to get sanctions for colleges and schools. In many cases these colleges just cater to that particular community and mostly only to those of the community who can afford to pay huge sums for the seats. Most of them don’t even have the necessary facilities. This is just one example.

Even in the national level we have seen how parties like AIADMK, DMK, TMC, SP, BSP etc have held the national government at ransom and literally blackmailed the government to give favours to these parties. We have even seen hard core criminals in these parties escape punishment because of the party’s influence at the centre. We have seen how some these parties’ leaders themselves have escaped punishment by threatening to pull out of the coalition. Even the so called national party CPI (M) have kept the government on tenterhooks threatening to quit the coalition.

When it comes to the national government, it is important that decisions affecting the whole population are taken immediately and effectively. There may be many laws which may have to be brought for the safety of the nation, which may affect one or two of the regional parties. There government at the centre will have to consider the countries’ population as a whole when they take decisions. There may be a few communities who may get affected. There may be some special benefits to particular regions or communities which will have to be sacrificed in the interest of the nation. The centre government cannot look at any state or region in isolation. All these need a party which can act strongly and swiftly when needed. This requires a party which can have a national perspective and take care of the nations’ interests at large. They must be able to take decision without having to depend on the support of a lot of coalition partners, whose interests may clash with each other. To govern the nation effectively we need a strong government at the centre who can take action without having to have all-party meetings or friendly dinners.

In India currently there seem to be only two parties which can claim national presence. The so-called third or fourth front, which claims partnership of parties from all over the country, cannot take a collective decision as many of the partners themselves cannot see eye-to-eye. The only two parties remaining are the Congress and the BJP. I am not here to discuss the merits and demerits of either party, though I am a strong supporter of one of them. The only way ahead for the country is for the people to vote for one of these two, in a way that they have an absolute majority and can take firm decisions on their own. It is the time for people to forget their selfish interests and think nationally. The time has come for people to elect a strong government at the centre so that India can at least dream of becoming a stable developing nation.

THE HOUSEWIFE

“I am going. Your coffee is on the table.” Sumitra told her husband as she took her scooter key from the key-holder. ”Shalu, Horlicks for grandpa and you is in the flask” she shouted hoping that her daughter, whose ears were stuffed with ear phones blaring out the latest Tamil songs, could hear her.

“You are hurrying as if you are going for some important work” her husband said. She didn’t miss the sarcasm in his voice. “Why do you have to go so early in the morning? You can go after I go to office. There is hardly anything for you to do in the house, after we have left”

“Exercise is important too. One needs to keep one’s body healthy and there is nothing better than an early morning walk” Sumitra replied as she slipped through the door closing it softly behind her. She didn’t want to hear what her husband will be telling their daughter. “Your mother is rushing as if she has to come back and leave for office” she mimicked him softly under her breath as she climbed down the steps. She was used to his barbs about her being a “housewife” as he introduced her to his friends and colleagues. It was not that she didn’t have the qualifications to get an employment, but it was her choice not to work. She remembered how her childhood had been spent with both her parents working. Half the time she left for school and came back to an empty house. She had then decided that she will be a wife and mother at home taking care of her family rather than work outside. She had chosen a man who earned enough to provide for the house and not need her support to run the family. He had also accepted her on those terms. But she didn’t know that it was not his choice but he was forced to take a wife who would look after his widowed and unwell father. She had performed her duties as wife, mother and daughter-in-law to perfection. It was not that he didn’t appreciate it, but still he couldn’t help making comments about her not working and enjoying life while he slogged at the office.

The houses were coming alive with morning activity, with everyone getting ready to go to office or school. The noise of cooker whistles and blenders filled the building. Mothers were shouting to their children goading them to get ready in time for the school buses. Newspapers were lying at the doors of the houses. She wondered what good or bad news they carried today.

Sumitra parked her scooter on the road leading to the walk-way along the beach. The morning was still cold on this bright winter morning. Chennai can’t boast of a winter as such, but the temperatures were bearable in this season. It was a blessing that they lived so close to the beach, as the sea-breeze cooled the hot afternoons.

She was on her second lap as the Sun made its appearance along the horizon. It was a sight that filled her with joy and hope. The Sun rising slowly from the sea, the waves lapping at it as if letting it go was difficult for them. The start of a new day that would bring new experiences and opportunities. Sumitra felt the cold giving way to pleasant warmth. She wiped sweat from her face and looked in time to see him walking in the opposite direction. She waved to him and walked along. She knew he would finish his three laps and wait for her at their usual bench on the beach. She hastened her pace, her eagerness to meet him making her walk faster than usual. She had a lot to tell him. She had been listening to a new discourse yesterday and she was sure he would have a lot of answers for questions that filled her mind.

Sumitra remembered the day they had met. It was about three months ago that they had met at the same beach. She had finished her walk and was unlocking her scooter, when she saw him walking unsteadily towards his car. She knew that the man was not feeling well and had she not reached him in time, he would have fainted and fallen down.

“Low sugar” he mumbled by way of explaining his situation.

She had helped him to his car and rushed back to her scooter. She opened her hand bag and took out a toffee which she always kept in her bag to satisfy her craving for sweets. She made him eat the toffee. He revived after a few minutes. She made certain that he was in a position to drive his car and left feeling happy to have helped an elderly person.

Ramanujam enjoyed talking with this young woman who was intelligent and quick witted, and seemed to enjoy talking with him. He wished his own daughter-in-law was like Sumitra. But then when you got your son married with the aim of getting someone who can also look after your business, you had to sacrifice something. He liked his daughter-in-law but she was hardly at home to keep him company. She was either too busy with their business or out meeting friends. But he had no complaints. She was a good wife to his son and helped him in running the business successfully.

Sumitra learned that he had a couple of mid-sized industries which he had handed over to his son and was enjoying his retired life. His wife had passed away a few years back and he seemed to miss her a lot. She learned that they shared common interests like religious discourses, classical music and painting.

Their friendship grew fast and soon they were both looking forward to their chat after the walk. Both of them took care not to dwell too much on their personal lives and maintained their discussions purely to matters of common interest. They also had started sharing whatever was available on the internet pertaining to music and arts. For Sumitra his company was a welcome change from the monotony of daily life.

Eeswar saw that Sumitra was looking excited as she returned from her walk. She must have had some interesting discussion with the old man she met in the morning. He was in no mood to listen to her banter about music or arts. She could afford to indulge herself in all these interests, whereas he had hardly time to eat or sleep properly. She had all the time in the world. If she also had a job, she would understand the value of time and money. But he had known that she was not interested in going for a job and he also needed such a wife who could take care of his father.

“You know what.....today he asked me to..........”

“Not now” Eeswer said cutting her off in mid-sentence, picking up his mobile and jabbing at the number pad.

Sumitra’s face fell. She had something to tell him which she was quite excited about. But then he was busy. She understood. His job took all the time. But then there was no one else she could share her news with. She hardly bothered him with her daily chores in the house. She knew he was too busy to listen to what had transpired at home. There was usually nothing new to tell, but then there were days when she felt a need to have a good conversation with her husband. Their conversation usually centred around house-hold expenses, their daughter’s studies or about his office. He was the working member and he had a lot of things to talk about his office. After all, what does a housewife have so much to talk about? She had no complaints. She knew that Eeswar loved her a lot. She wished he would show a little interest in her affairs and didn’t comment so often about her having no work to do at home.

Sumitra regained her composure and went about readying everything for her husband and daughter. They had to leave soon and she didn’t want them to be delayed because of her. She maintained her normal happy mood so that they both left the house happily.

It was a Saturday, two weeks after that minor morning incident. Sumitra had never shared what she wanted to and Eeswar didn’t remember to ask her what it was. He was seated at his usual place in the balcony nursing a drink. It was his week-end routine. He enjoyed his drink while Shalu sat on the arm of his chair pouring out all her week’s activities. She was at an age when everything around her was beautiful and exciting. Both Eeswar and Sumitra never tired of listening to their daughter’s chatter. It was pure pleasure just listening to her gushing about her friends, her new interests, new songs she had heard and of course about the boys in her class.

“Hey, I almost forgot. Tomorrow is the inauguration of the new office. Old man will be there too and they want to make it a family breakfast. So you both can see my new office. MD says it is all constructed as per the old man’s wish” Sumi knew that Eeswar was referringto  his MD’s father when he said old man. It was a name most of the staff used, not with disrespect but with a love for him. Eeswar had worked with him before the son had taken over.

Both mother and daughter were excited. This is the first time Eeswar’s office was organising a meet of the staff’s families. Both the ladies started discussing about what they would be wearing as Eeswar watched them with amusement.

The Sunday morning dawned bright and clear. Though the morning wind carried the chillness of the winter, the day soon became warm. They left Eeswar’s father in the care of the servant maid, who agreed after much begging and an offer of extra payment. Sumitra was dressed in her best. Her black printed silk saree appeared formal yet simple. Eeswar couldn’t but admire how beautiful his wife looked. Her hair was left free flowing over her back. She wore simple but elegant jewellery. Shalu was dressed in a salwar suit looking as beautiful as ever. The orange colour of her dress helped accentuate her fair complexion. Eeswar was proud of his wife and daughter. They were presentable in any crowd.

The new office building gleamed in the morning sun. The official inauguration had been done early that morning with a Ganapati Homam and the building was teeming with staff and their family by the time Eeswar and his family arrived there. Leaving his wife and daughter with a soft drink in their hands Eeswar went in search of his MD and the old man to mark his presence. Sumitra tried to make small talk with some of the other ladies who had the similar fate of being left alone by their husbands. All the staff wanted to ensure that they were seen by the bosses. Eeswar returned shortly after meeting his bosses.

Eeswar noticed that Sumitra, even when listening to what he was saying and giving the correct responses, was looking here and there, as if searching for someone.

“.....and you know there was this painting in the old man’s room. The old man was praising it like it was some rare piece of art.”

“Is it really that good?”

“Ya, it is a very good painting. Not that I know much about painting, but it is a nice scenery and goes well with the decor of the room. Maybe you will have a better idea. After all you are the artist in the family. Come let’s go and see his room” Saying this Eeswar took her hand and gestured to Shalu to go with them.

As they turned to go, Eeswar saw that his old boss, the old man was coming towards them. He came and stood in front of the three.

“You never told me you are Eeswar’s wife” he said looking at Sumitra

“You too never told me the name of your company. You told me only when you invited me for today’s function” she retorted in a friendly manner, quite pleased to see the look of surprise on her husband’s face. “Then I thought it would be a good surprise for Eeswar”

Eeswar looked at both his boss and his wife in wonderment. He realized that it was the old man that she used to talk about as her friend whom she met at the beach.

“That painting which you saw in my room was done by your wife. Not just that, I have purchased a couple of paintings from your wife for my friends too. She is an excellent artist. Not just that, she is also a very good friend and a kind human being.” He said looking at Eeswar. “Okay now take her and show her how her painting looks in my room” Saying this he left the family and went to meet other guests.

“Why did you not tell me this before?”

“I wanted it to be a surprise for you. Also I wanted to surprise you with a good gift on your birthday, purchased with money that I earned. That is why I never told you about the paintings I sold. Moreover, when did you ever take interest in what I did with my time” Sumitra replied, but not with any intention to hurt her husband or complain about his lack of interest in her affairs. She just wanted him to know how she felt.

Eeswar looked at his wife with a hint of guilt, but with a lot of respect.

“Come, let me see my wife’s painting properly” saying this Eeswar put a hand around her shoulders and guided them towards the boss’s cabin.