The VIP Culture in India: 3

The rise of Covid-19 cases in India has shocked the world. We are completely unprepared and cornered. We do get guidelines almost everyday regarding what procedure and protocols should be followed to maintain social distancing. But how well do the political leaders in India who lay out these guidelines follow them, themselves?

Norwegian police said on Friday (9th April 2021) they have fined Prime Minister Erna Solberg for breaking Covid-19 social distancing rules when organizing a family gathering to celebrate her birthday. The fine is for 20,000 Norwegian crowns ($2,352). The two-term prime minister apologized last month for organizing an event to celebrate her 60th birthday with 13 family members at a mountain resort in late February, despite a government ban on events attended by more than 10 people. Solberg herself had not attended the dinner as she needed to go to the hospital to deal with eye issues, but police still held her responsible for organizing the event. After the event came to light, Solberg made a public apology and said she was prepared to pay potential fines.



Can you imagine even an MLA in India being fined for organizing a birthday party of 13 let alone a two-time elected PM? The cases in Norway are nowhere close to what we have here. Still the rules are meant for all and are being followed. Here we are still conducting rallies, political speeches, Kumbh mela and what not. Is this the time to conduct elections and rallies? I am not blaming any one particular political party, but all of them. They are our elected leaders and their sole ambition seems to win more and more seats. Public safety and protocol and guidelines is for everybody else. They are well above law.



When we compare India to other countries and proudly say we are better than so many others, this clearly shows where we lack. Our leaders are the celebrities who cannot be touched and same rules do not imply on them. We need leaders who claim responsibility when they have wronged. Who can travel in public transport and not with 30 police cars behind them. Being a politician is just a job like any other. It should be treated like one.

 

PS: Please stay safe. Take the vaccines. They are our best hope.

Thank you for reading,

From,

Hetansh Shah


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