Hobson’s choice

According to newspaper reports, Narendra Modi, CM of Gujarat has sought permission from BJP leadership to exempt Gujarat from VHP sponsored nation-wide Bandh on the Amarnath temple ( land allotment ) issue. It is said that there is no love lost between Modi and VHP. Further, the State was to witness Jagannath Rath Yatra more or less coinciding with VHP Bandh. That would have affected successful Jagannath Rath Yatra.

Whatever the reasons may be, this development raises a very controversial view.

1. Gujarat has made tremendous progress, not only in industrialization but on other fronts, notably in infra-structure development, during the reign of Modi during the last few years. Businessmen are flocking to Gujarat. It is said that various development projects have definitely benefited the poorest of the poor.
2. More than two decades back, Gill, the cop, ruthlessly eliminated Akali firebrands. Some sort of ‘ shoot at sight ‘ policy was followed. In the process a few innocent people were killed. Human rights guardians had then raised a lot of noise at the ‘terminator ‘ style of Gill. But in the end the extremism of Sikhs was totally eliminated.
3. Ministerial level corruption is nothing new. But in a few States, the Chief Ministers, totally corrupt, ensure that once they are taken care of by entrepreneurs wishing to set up factories, the entrepreneurs will not face any problems from bureaucratic minions in the implementation of their projects.
4. Similar examples can be quoted.
5. On the other hand, we have been facing serious problems on various fronts, such as:

· Naxalite problem which is almost getting out of control
· Continuing large scale influx of refugees in the East
· Developmental projects being halted / delayed by politicians / bureaucrats, mainly because they have not been taken care of.
· Many State Governments are run by absolutely inefficient Chief Ministers. Some of them have no vision. Some of them are sticklers to rules. Some want to be known as lily white ( allowing at the same time the State to go to dogs )
· Money and other goodies meant for poor not reaching them.
In this case also the list can be expanded.

6. The moot point is how far the country / people should compromise on such matters. Should the vote be cast on an efficient Chief Minister with Hindutva belief or secular Chief Minister who is thoroughly inefficient. Should extreme measures be allowed to weed out cancer and in the process violating human rights or allow the cancer to fester. Purists / human right advocates would not agree for any compromise.
7. But I say that the lager interests of the country would be better served if there is fast economic development. In the process there would be compromises and corruption and excesses. After all we can’t expect continued excellent and blemish-less functioning, as has been the case of Central Election Commission, in all areas.