Laloo146;s hidden hand

For a while there, it actually seemed to be a contest between the rule of law and political clout. For a few months, two district magistrate...

For a while there, it actually seemed to be a contest between the rule of law and political clout. For a few months, two district magistrates in Bihar armed with nothing more than the statute book gave hope that the civil service could still be an instrument for reform in the state. But as the dusty winds of summer howl through northern India, Governor Buta Singh has blown that mirage. On Thursday, he ordered the transfer of C.K. Anil and K.K. Pathak, the DMs of Siwan and Gopalganj. Anil and Pathak have in recent months famously caught the spotlight for reading the law to RJD leaders Mohammed Shahabuddin and Sadhu Yadav, respectively, for disturbing the peace in their districts. First under the protective cover of the Election Commission during assembly polls, and now during this interlude of president8217;s rule in Bihar, they have striven to curb the activities of politicians given to intimidation and bring them to book. RJD leaders have been predictably loud in making their case against the DMs. In this joint transfer, the RJD has got its way.

The RJD, voted out of power in the assembly elections but still in possession of critical support to the Congress-led government at the Centre, had always been expected to exercise a fair amount of say in administrative matters during president8217;s rule. But the party8217;s success in exacting revenge upon officials who dared take on its self-styled satraps directly implicates the Centre. The RJD has made no pretense of even desiring to argue the case for Shahabuddin and Sadhu Yadav by legally refuting the charges made against them. The recovery recently of a cache of firearms from Shahabuddin8217;s residence has not provoked Laloo Prasad Yadav8217;s party to retract its diatribe against the Siwan DM. But, by being seen to be surrendering to political pressure and taking action against two upright officials, what message is the Centre giving?

By having its governor transfer Anil and Pathak, could it be the UPA government8217;s case that the rule of law is dispensable in the pursuit of political stability? Given the manner and timing of their transfer, the government gives little cause to respond in the negative.