E D I T O R I A L

Tinkering will not help

STYLE often marks the man. If that be so how would we mark the new Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal? Let us ignore that the octogenarian Akali politician in his 80th year for his filial love. With five major portfolios in his own pocket and an equal number of close relatives as important cabinet ministers, this government is virtually owned by the Badals.  Now the younger Badal, Sukhbir Singh is the acting president of the ruling Akali Dal. He calls the shots and has begun controlling the reigns of the government. It is only matter of time when takes the real charge. Already a legislator from Sirhind is ready to vacate to facilitate his entry into the state assembly. But one could argue that the younger Badal has been spending days and nights in real politics and has every right to lead the government. Be the de jure leader. After all what is wrong in being ambitious and as son of a fourth time chief minister to head the government, he ought to be.

What should trouble the people, the poor and hapless masses is the other aspect. Parkash Singh Badal somehow lacks ideas that could translate his wish to make Punjab a California, a word he had used so often during his earlier tenures. Some believe that Sangat Darshan is good as some do get justice. It is also good that it helps to make the chief minister sensitive about the problems of the people.  With nearly six decades in grassroots’ politics, does Mr. Badal need a daily doze of to remain aware of what is happening? It may feed egos of some feudal minds, but not leaders like Mr. Badal.

In a democracy the chief minister should be available to the public not for Darshan but for some real good. Who would design a system that can take care of such problems as some body not getting treatment in a hospital, an old destitute couple not getting old age pension or some poor farmer’s land being grabbed? How many such harassed people can reach his durbar in Chandigarh or at the tehsil headquarters and how many can he really feel satisfied.

Take a leaf from the life of Maharaja Ranjit Singh who is still a role model for leaders like Mr. Badal. He did many good things, organized his army on European lines and went incognito to address the problems of his folks. All so good. But it is also a fact of history that within ten years of his demise [1839-49] his kingdom was torn apart and Punjab the British occupied for next 98 years.  How could the British rule for a century and Ranjit Singh’s empire disappear in less than a decade? Structures and systems are of essence. More so in a democracy. Personal glory is okay, but in the end it is all vain. Badal’s predecessor knows that very well. He has neither Sangat Darshan nor system.  Mere good intentions are of little avail. It is governance that must improve and for that the corruption endemic to the system in Punjab which is wrecking it from within must end, if something is to work out. Right now Mr. Badal is just tinkering.

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