Even in as argumentative a democracy as ours some norms are not up for negotiation. The law is certainly in agreement: apart from the Indian Penal Code,the Representation of Peoples Act,1951 deems promoting communal disharmony or garnering votes on the grounds of the candidates religion to be corrupt electoral practice. Punishment could include three years in jail and the resulting disbarment from ever standing for elective office. These pious intentions and stern warnings may not have prevented the vote banks and identity politics that are endemic to Indian democracy,but they have ensured that parties at least pay lip service (literally) to secularism and inclusiveness while canvassing for votes. No more. Varun Gandhis diatribe against Muslims captured on video,and available on media like YouTube while campaigning for the BJP in Uttar Pradesh was repulsive. Suffice to say that they targeted Muslims in no uncertain terms,and were based on his religious convictions clear offences under the law of the land. Varun Gandhi denies the charges,claiming that since there was no consequent violence,there is no crime. Our laws,though,dont wait for the actual blood-and-gore before kicking in. Gandhi also alleges that the tapes are doctored. But with the camera a ubiquitous presence,he should have known that theres no hiding under the radar. The Congress has complained to the Election Commission; with allies quick to record their discomfort,a BJP spokesperson glibly termed this Congress culture,not BJP culture. But the BJP must officially distance itself from these comments. Arguing that the law will take its own course will not do. With political accusations flying thick,the EC has,with atypical energy,filed a criminal complaint against Varun Gandhi. But its not just the law that Gandhi has violated. Even in the murkiest of political swamplands,some lines are clear; even in a legal system that is often found to be floundering,some rules you do not break. On Monday,Varun Feroze Gandhi crossed those lines,broke those rules. Pay he must.
