Crime and Chicanery in Politics

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 29 June 2024 The Parliament Reminds You of Billingsgate (London Fish Market Known for Its Crude and Vulgar Language; It Now Connotes Extremely Abusive Language). During The Oath-Taking Ceremony, Asaduddin Owaisi Says, Jai Palestine. In Reply to That, Yet Another Ruffian and Maharashtra BJP Leader Nitesh Rane Says, "If Anyone Cuts Off Owaisi's Tongue, I'll Reward Him." ------ You all must be aware that out of the 543 winning candidates analysed in the Lok Sabha 2024 elections, 251 (46%) of newly elected MPs have criminal cases. Among these, 170 (31%) winning candidates have serious criminal cases, including charges related to rape, murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping, and crimes against women. Imagine, these rogues are our representatives in the government which itself is thoroughly corrupt. The Parliament reminds you of Billingsgate (London fish market known for its crude and vulgar language; it now connotes extremely abusive language). During the oath-taking ceremony, Asaduddin Owaisi says, Jai Palestine. In reply to that, yet another ruffian and Maharashtra BJP leader Nitesh Rane says, "If anyone cuts off Owaisi's tongue, I'll reward him." You can jolly well expect further deterioration in conduct, speech and actions of our chosen representatives. Who chooses such lumpen elements? And what will these leaders do for the society? I wrote a piece prior to the general elections, urging people to elect 'less corrupt' candidates because expecting a politician who has no blot on his / her escutcheon is akin to coming out of the storage for turds without getting soiled and besmirched. But unfortunately, a large number of political leaders seem to be vying for the top slot in crime and chicanery. As per present norms laid down by the Supreme Court unless a person is convicted, he or she is an accused. However, in the case of those who are convicted for serious charges, the Supreme Court needs to intervene and proclaim them to be unfit to represent the people. Today, even persons such as Amritpal Singh from Punjab and Rashid Engineer from Kashmir imprisoned for anti-national activities have been declared elected. When they are in prison, how can they project the issues of the people who have elected them? Let's see what transpires in the days and months to come. ------- A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/crime-chicanery-politics/d/132598 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism