There’s a Bollywood song titled “Love Ke Liye Sala Kuch Bhi Karega,” which translates to “Will do anything for love.” It seems that Indian politicians have taken this sentiment to heart, but instead of doing anything for love, they’re doing anything for votes. This became glaringly evident during a recent press conference with P. Chidambaram, the Home Minister of India. During the conference, journalist Jarnail Singh questioned Chidambaram about the Congress party’s decision to exonerate Jagdish Tytler, who was implicated in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
Singh was dissatisfied with Chidambaram’s response and, in an act of protest, threw his shoe at the Home Minister. This incident was unprecedented in Indian politics and highlighted the tension surrounding Tytler’s candidacy. Chidambaram, though visibly shocked, managed to maintain composure and instructed his security to remove Singh from the hall, continuing the press conference as if nothing had happened. Singh was quickly taken to the police station but was released within hours without facing any formal charges. This leniency was likely due to the upcoming elections and the need to avoid alienating the Sikh community, which stood firmly with Singh.
The incident raises questions about the application of the law in India. Singh’s actions, though symbolic of his protest, were criminal, yet no legal action was taken against him. This leniency seems to be a calculated move by Congress to safeguard their electoral prospects, reflecting a troubling reality: political considerations often override legal and ethical standards. This situation underscores a larger issue in Indian politics, where the pursuit of votes can lead to the bending of rules and the overlooking of legal procedures. It’s a stark reminder that, in the quest for power, politicians may prioritize their electoral gains over the principles of justice and accountability.
In this context, the question arises: Is the Indian Constitution really stronger than the ruling political parties, or do the latter’s interests frequently overshadow the rule of law? The episode with Jarnail Singh reveals the extent to which politicians are willing to go, highlighting a troubling trend where votes may justify actions that would otherwise be considered criminal.