The recent statement of Governor Satay Pal Malik whiledescribing corruption in the state surprised all but himself. Most of thestate’s politicians called it a bombshell. Undoubtedly anyone holding aconstitutional assignment is not supposed to go too far even if it is the voiceof your conscience. Though, Mr. Malik appropriately felt apologetic about theway he had spoken his heart and gave a valid clarification. While rightlysilencing his critics, he brought the contentious issue of ever-flourishingcorruption in the state into the public domain with an entirely differentmanifestation. An appearance that describes corruption as the mother of allsocial ailments and political failures. How far this portrayal is correct and acceptableonly time, and the sequence of approaching events will reveal?
Corruption is corruption! It devours the vitals of moralvalues and societal ethics. Exploiting it for political reasons and belittlingor admonishing any political or social setup is ill-use of trust reposed by themasses. However, having said that any sincere articulation of people’s plightbecause of deceit and exploitation cannot be altogether brushed aside asmisleadingness. While reminding Mr. Malik of his constitutional duty andobligations, we have to give space to his personal opinion about Kashmir’ssociopolitical situation. Beyond holding the constitutional post of Governorand presently heading the State Administrative Council, Mr. Malik holds a humanheart which may [at times] beat for the people.
Anyways, a section of people because of their politicalcompulsions are constrained to exploit the metaphoric (definitely beyond thecontext) statement of the Governor into an issue. Anyone privy to the depths ofadministrative happenings and decisions coming across huge wrongdoings andfavors against consideration is bound to get disturbed. And maybe the presentstatement of Mr. Malik depicts that fearless anger and revolt against anymisgovernment in the past. Whatever the situation, we have to take theGovernor’s concern for menacing corruption on its face value. His gubernatorialduties apart the human within him cannot be denied its right to express insymbolic anger what he has seen and experienced during his stay in the state.
While invoking the moral ethics and making sweepingstatements about working of the administration during a certain specificperiod, one has to substantiate it with evidence. Any uncorroboratedaccusations are simple kite flying in space. Simultaneously, while we claim tobe in a democracy, denying the right to defend will be unfair. The people whoare accused of corruption and supposed to be involved in wrongdoings should bebrought to book without wasting any more time. That way not only the corruptiongets contained, but the stand of the Governor will be vindicated. The war ofwords [tweets and statements] should stop somewhere, and the speculationsshould get rest in the best interest of the public without much politicizing.It is all in the public domain now, and both the accused and the accusers haveto clear their stand before the public.
The present controversy may be viewed differently bydifferent people, but anyone denying corruption in the state will be doing adisservice to the people. Dispelling presence of exploitation in the systemjust for the sake of political consideration will only strengthen the corruptand corruption. Political patronization of corruption is a worldwide reality,but it is more intense in this part of the world. The exploitation has beenworst and painful for the last seven decades when most of us were made tobelieve about empowerment and emancipation. It is the common man on the streetwho is worst hit by dishonesty and favoritism. Politician and the powerfulelite make their way through the corridors of power and authority. A cursorylook into the fortunes of political fraternity and their allies for the lastseveral decades will reveal tremendous success stories [rags to riches] withminimal leadership efforts and energy. The ugly face of nepotism also tookshape during this period with intimidating dimensions leaving no space forqualification and eligibility in almost every field of governance. And withauthority, I submit that nothing has changed on this front even today.Nepotistic progeny with their proverbial ‘blue eyes’ are so powerful that theycan manage under all circumstances. Also in this unique Gubernatorial tenure!
In a state like Jammu and Kashmir where every word utteredby the people in power and those aspiring to enjoy power matters a lot. So attimes accusations and counter-accusations become political narratives thatdecide contours of approaching politics. Hence while guarded statements aremade with logic and reasoning, every word has to be shaped into action. Anaction that will mean justice and good governance.