Whither Shining?

Surprisingly, without even attempting to ascertain the facts, UP Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav dismissively said ‘‘these things do happen’’. No wonder Lalji immediately praised Mulayam’s magnanimity. Since the organiser is a Yadav, and the BJP’s electoral prospects are at stake, the entire State Government machinery went out of its way to hush up the tragedy. While the nation is aghast, Mulayam and Lalji are trying their best to protect the guilty. And they still want us to take their claim of no under-the-table BJP-SP understanding seriously.

But Lalji must answer a few questions. The lame excuse of birthday celebrations apart, he must explain why he organised an event to bribe voters in complete violation of the model code of conduct? Second, he must explain why the organisers indulged in mass publicity, ensuring a huge turnout, without providing for sufficient stocks of saris? Lalji should not forget how the late Indira Gandhi’s election was set aside because her private secretary used an official vehicle.

Let CVC Decide

Remember the Vineet Narain case when the SC held that the Single Directive of the Government, stipulating that the CBI should take prior government approval before probing any officer of the level of Joint Secretary and above under the Prevention of Corruption Act, was not sustainable in law?

Due to the legal fallacy that no government servant can take a decision that benefits private parties, and the grey area between public and private parties, many government officers avoided crucial decisions lest they came under the CBI scrutiny. This meant passing files, delaying policy implementation.

Now, with the Parliament approving the CVC Bill with a clause giving legal status to the Single Directive, we have a conflicting situation when an executive decision tends to override a legal provision. To find a logical solution, there has been a suggestion to give the CVC the power to set up advisory boards to scan complaints before advising the CBI on further proceedings.

After all, which institution is better suited to assist the CBI than the CVC. And in CVC P. Shankar, we have a brilliant mind complemented by a practical approach. He is ably supported by the two Commissioners — H.J. Dora and Janki Ballabh.

Hits and Flops

There has been a rush among filmstars to join mainstream politics in the run-up to the polls. However, there are few serious contenders among them. Heading this list is Hero No 1 Govinda, pitted against BJP’s Ram Naik, the five-time MP from Northwest Mumbai.

Recently, I campaigned for a day with Govinda. I was amazed to see the kind of response he was getting. If it translates into votes, Govinda will surely win. Moreover, there is the anti-incumbency factor against Naik.

Even Sholay’s Viru (Dharmendra) is drawing huge crowds in Bikaner. There is a high probability that he may make it to Parliament. Moushumi Chatterjee is putting up a good show in Kolkata as well.

The writer is a Congress member of the Rajya Sabha