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Journalism of Courage
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.
