Can this happen in India? Unfortunately no–at least not now or in the immediate future.

I recently received an email that listed out statistics about our MPs. Specifically, it included their histories–and what came out, as is to be expected, was that most of them have criminal cases against them in various police stations spanning several states. The email concluded saying that more than 70% of our sitting MPs are: murderers, thieves, wife-killers and land grabbers.

A person like Hanson in Indian politics is almost a saint in comparison!

Forget MPs. I personally am acquainted with a person who is now the Corporator of a Ward in Bangalore. He is my very close friend’s neighbour. Without exaggeration, I can confidently say that he has been booked for at least 15 times; there was a time when he was taken into preventive custody if any violence was suspected to erupt (riots, bandhs, strikes, etc). This man was elected about 2 years ago and now owns at least 3 premium car brands–a Lancer, a Pajero and an Accord–not to mention other landed assets. This, after being elected a mere Corporator. I don’t blame him in the least–he merely followed the precedent set by his more illustrious peers and preceptors–the Mulayams, the S.M.Krishnas, the Bangarappas, and the Laloos.

This reminds me of T. Roosevelt who urged the Americans not to worship successful people or success per se, especially in public life, without tracing its roots. How true this rings in India’s present context! Today, the quickest route to power and wealth is politics and the quickest route to politics is crime. No exaggeration. Examine this statement in light of what I wrote above about the Corporator. This guy who was often beaten up…err…taken into custody by the Police today is powerful enough to effect transfers in the Police department.

But I seem to go on ranting about Indian polity. Enough for now.