Legislative proceedings are usually far from stimulating and we have grown accustomed to MPs and MLAs stealing a surreptitious nap or even snoring defiantly to escape the tedium of debate. But the three Karnataka BJP ministers who were forced to resign Wednesday morning chose a most unusual way to escape what they regarded as an arid discussion on the drought situation in the State. Much to the embarrassment of themselves and their party, TV cameras caught them transfixed by, ahem, a film clip, on one of their cell phones. Laxman Savadi, who was Minister for Cooperation, may protest till he is blue in the face, but his explanation that he was watching a newsclip about a woman being gang-raped simply doesn't wash. The best that can be said in an age where our legislatures are sporadic witnesses to a range of boisterous activity — fisticuffs, abuse, screaming, overthrown furniture, ripped out microphones, torn papers and flung slippers — is that the trio were at least passing their time in quiet communion. Watching pornographic material in the House is a first in the history of Indian legislatures, but like almost everything else in the sleazy world of politics, somebody's already been there, done that. Last April, an Indonesian MP belonging to an Islamic party that campaigns for anti-pornography legislation was forced to resign after being caught watching porn in parliament, presumably to acquaint himself better with the subject matter of what he was opposing.
On a serious note, there is an important message in this, one that exposes the unalloyed hypocrisy of those who adopt conservative and hardline postures on issues relating to sex and morality. It is in Karnataka that fundamentalists assaulted women in pubs, ran campaigns against Valentine's Day, launched investigations into the so-called love jihads — all professedly to protect Hindu culture from immoral foreign influences. For a party that likes to think it is different, the porn incident is a severe embarrassment for the BJP. To have forced the three ministers to “voluntarily resign” is hardly going to check the damage caused to the party and State government, which is already under some fire for permitting a reportedly wild rave party in Udupi. When privilege motions are moved against legislators and outsiders for lowering the dignity of the House, it would be really strange if no more action is taken against the erring MLAs. But rather than reacting to what they did with blustering moral outrage, the incident should be used as an opportunity to expose the hypocrisy of the BJP and its aggressive fellow travellers in the Sangh Parivar, who, through their moral policing and self-styled vigilantism, regard themselves as the custodians of Indian morality.
our old rules and regulation has to be modified, it must be transparent so that any step taken by minister and word said into parliament highlighted character of that person.......
Vary well written.Hypocricy is found in every religion.Like your
paper for being unbiased and high in journalism.
Crisply written.The BJP along with their gurdians(sangh parivar) over the years have proclaimed through their actions that they area the torchbearers in promoting indian values and preserve national ethos, while their MP's and MLA's are caught in this embarassement.Surely this is a party of double standards.And seeing them come up with laughable explanations makes them look even bigger losers.The sancity of the sacrosanct house has quite clearly been put to trash by these licentious ministers.A strong action from the party is strictly warranted if it really wants to prevent further embarrasement and justify its stand.
This incident, if well-utilized by the media (as the present editorial of Hindu has done)has the potential to open our eyes to the wide gap between the sanctimonious public discourse on sex and morality and the actual state of affairs in our society. It should at least for some time shut the mouths of those who beat up young lovers on the streets in the name of protecting the so-called pristine purity of Indian culture against the decadent influences from the West.
3 idiots!
Its outrageous, when BJP and other right wing organizations like Shiv Sena, try moral
policing the nation, while they watch porn during a session in assembly. I hope more
people see the hypocrisy of their political establishment.
vote should be given to those who are morally, ethically & socially
alive.we must not pollute our society by such deadwood who by and large
portray a bad picture on national scene & play with the trust they have
been entrusted with. People should protest against such grave blemishful
acts & demand their immediate removal from such sacred sanctums.
It is one of the shameful act. Country should feel very bad about it. Infact we have to blame the people. Politicians always make fool out of people but still the same people are electing them...
when sleeping aks deep thinking is allowed in the legislature both at the centre and states, we should appreciate that the ministers kept themselves awake by refreshing their senses.
What is wrong? Watching soft core or catching it on the camera and going to town with that news all over the world, including writing Editorials on this dirty picture.
What is the relationship between criticising pub culture amongst the youth especially girls and watching some thing on their mobile, even it is inside the legislature?
When a President of a big country was meeting his basic instints inside the famed building in the world, it was only a sensational news for the media and they did not call for his head or resignation.
The Hindu has done a serious mistake in bringing BJP into the picture for this episode. Sexual instincts is beyong politics and region. Do not try to tarnish a party for the sake of a few individuals.
BJP got a one tight slap on its principles it believes because of the recent incident.Deeds like banning valentines day,battering women believing in upsurping westernisation were only unecessary acts while something else leads their conscience.Watching porn that too discussing drought in the assembly have made the party folk hang their heads in utter shame.If MF Hussain was not allowed to step into India and ransacked his stalls,paintings and even residence just because he has done something against their principles we have to wait and watch what action party is going to take on these filthy people and how much is BJP is committed to its principles and so called values.As of now no action like expelling these people from party is not yet done.
In defence of BJP and the 3 Karnataka ministers, we will start hearing the BJP wisemen say-"already we have ordered an enquiry and one should wait for the Report".
As if the act of the 3 involved has an element of doubt in it!!!
I personally have no problem in people watching porn on personal
devices, obtained by the using resources acquired through personal
expenditure. What I have a problem with is that these people were
doing it while the assembly was in session. There is a code of conduct
in the assembly, a basic requirement that legislators give their
complete thought, attention and opinion on the matter being discussed
in the house. While temporary loss of concentration is expected and
can be pardoned, willful ignorance of the most basic of their duties
to indulge is personal pleasure while the house is in session merits
punishment.
well this again recals us that it is imperative to use our vote only for those personalities that are morally,ethically and socially worthy.we should not vote on basis of creed, religious but should go beyond that no matter the religion,sex, race they belong.
No miracle will happen, if not now they will be given cabinet posts later by the time we will have a new story discuss, same happened in case of ND Tiwari, though he was caught in a sex scandal in Rajbhavan he was left without any charges, as far as there are two constitutions (one for commonman + one for politicos) no miracle will happen, Tiwari is now out for canvassing. Doesnt EC know his act? how he is allowing him to participate in political rallies? I have not seen any news paper continuing to put pressure on govt to punish these guys, I am disappointed to see that The Hindu also not taking Tiwari issue seriously,dont misunderstand me as pro-BJP as I am highlighting Tiwari case, anyone who is found doing these malicious acts should be debarred from one's political career for ever. There is not middle path here, if we try to find one it is like self-cheating.
Is it just enough to ask them resign and close this matter here, they need to suspended from the assembly for the rest of the term at least. And BJP, who often plays the moral policing role, should ask these MLA's to resign who brought shame to the nation with this news flashing across the globe.
In a couple of weeks they will be walking in public as unfazed as
Yediyurappa. And it is not for BJP only. It is for all parties.
In the lighter vein, we say kudos to the ministers! The trio have created a history of sorts and have secured a place in the annals of of Legislative Assemblies. They would have been struggling to escape the tyrrany of debate or oration as much as Tom Sawyer had been in the church. Little tom had the Pekinese dog and the beatle in the match box to precipitate a situational excitement to relieve himself of the boredom from the pulpit serving the church sermon . Poor ministers resorted to the viewing of the steamy visuals oblivious of the cameras or the end result. They triggered a tsunami by which they were swept off their power. However, this a lesson to the self-proclaimed moral police whose edifice of credibility has crashed into a shambles. Seriously, the people send their represenatives to the Assembly not to indulge in trivialitis or enjoy the "heavy honey dew of slumber" but to safeguard the interests of the common men. Let others take a cue from this despicable incident.
Most shameful that so called people's representatives, elected by democratic process, should stoop to such acts in the assembly, where topics for good public administation are discussed; shows NO sense of responsibility; they should be sacked forthwith and debarred from contesting elections for five years as punishment; only then we can send strong message to future aspirants. In the name of public service, enter Govt, enjoy power and position and then totally ignore discussions/debates and indulge in porno videos? Very very bad - why not ensure all cell phones are fully switched off - even prohibited - during working hours of assembly; they can sure later answer any private calls or reply messages. STRONG action must be in place for betterment of society ethical values and avoid drama of serving public interests; WHO WILL BELL THE CAT IS THE QUESION ??
Superb editorial. Content apart, the sheer language, the veiled humour and the hard stated facts,stand out and makes it a pleasure to read. It is indeed a great pleasure to read the editorials of The Hindu. When there is a general decline in content as well as language, The Hindu stands apart and stands high.Please keep it up. You owe it to your founding fathers and to our Nation !
This is indeed a shameful deed done by the so called political leaders. Everyone knows that our politics is hypocritical in all sense.Our politicians are merely blind representatives of our faith.Its time for change! its time to make constitutional amendments.A Right to recall is must. A representative who is not able to represent,a truly inept one should come back from the power position. This sort of nonsense must be curb.
Let us elect people who are very well educated and has good exposure to the world as members of Legislative assembly as well as parliament. Only they can bring something to the country or give to the people. THis fact is very clear to the people. Eventually this will happen, but it is going to take a lot more years !!!
After a long time The Hindu has published an editorial that carries a hint of humor in it. The editorials usually are thoroughly researched, illuminating, sarcastic, critical, appreciative, sometimes even pontificating but hardly ever humorous. So the editorial was indeed like a breath of fresh air. Thanks for that. As for the three BJP MPs who were caught in the act, the incident once again highlights a deep rooted hypocrisy among the politicians who on one hand take unto themselves the obligation to safeguard the moral values of the country and on the other hand do not shy away from maligning the sanctity of the our sacred institutions. It also exposes the true nature of the BJP and Sangh Parivar who on one hand take pride in condemning and assaulting youths for celebrating Valentine's Day and on the other have people in their cadres who pander to their base desires even in places like Assemblies. I hope that our leaders will learn from this incident and practice what they preach.
How sad ...Indian's are Forced to elect such pathetic people...Why dont we have any other alternatives....
I admire The Hindu for its bold editorial. Without fear or repercussion, it has always been doing its works as Fourth Estate as envisioned by our Late PM Nehru. Let BJP come clean on this.
It's better they don't attend to assembly ,if they are not interested but don't betray the trust of the people , which they kept on them for serving the country much better. This is sign of ignorance,illiteracy, lack of common sense and sincerity.We value India , politics and politicians.Please serve the country to your best.
It is not for nothing that MPs,MLAs and MLCs want that their actions,speches - whatever they do inside legislatures,parliament -should have immunity from public scrutiny. Truly BJP is proving that it is a party with difference.
Disgrace to nation
Hitherto; we were witnessing in the State Assembies; screaming, tearing of draft repots; abusing oneanother with foul toungue standing on the Desks etc. Indeed it is a new phenomina of viewing indecent acts on Mobile Phones by Our Representatives; that too when matters such as Natural Calamities affected to the People of some parts of State is being discussed. Can we hope at least some serious introspection from Politicians cutting across Party lines; to avert such ugly episode in future.
For one it was not the BJP that went about thrashing women in bangalore. It was a different outfit..The editor could not see the difference.. And also just becuase one or two in the party behaved nastily does not mean the party's stand is wrong.. In the same vein Congress is anti national as its General Secretary spewed venom against the police in Batla house encounter..In that case Congress is able to distance itself from the comments and stay patriotic without getting handed down similar judgements from the Hindu.
Finally Sangh Parivar let the cat out of the bag! Ironical that it has happened coinciding with their preparations for 'protecting' Hindu culture against 'videshi'Valentine's Day-2012. Working women in IT companies and college girls in Bangaluru will sigh with relief that at least this year they are spared! How the Sangh Parivar outfits have damaged the paintings of M F Husain and foisted false police cases against him during his life-time-and-after for his Saraswati illustration. The personality who had been conferred with all but one of the prestigious Padma awards, died as a citizen of Qatar! A thorough soul-searching is required on cultural policing and rule of law.
I dont know if its just the hypocrisy of the BJP that we need to be
exposing! I think the political parties (BJP in this case) just try to
appease their base. I think its time to address the more important
question. That is- we need to be tolerant to values that are not
necessarily religious (porn does not fit very well with many
religions) or aligned with our views as long as they are legal and guaranteed by our constitution. If you educate the bases, the party
leaders will adapt.Of course, there is a case of dereliction of duty here by the three ministers that need to be taken seriously!
This editorial places 'The Hindu' on par with 'The New York Times' and 'Der Spiegel', bravo!
Can there be any comment on this article..? Ohh!! If People who should
guide and rule are doing blunders, then what will a common man do??
Isn't there a proverb 'Yadha Raja Thada Praja'...... It is beyond shame
on the part of those ministers..
It is a case a bad apple in the cart. It would be good for BJP to get better people in its ranks. India is a democratic country, every one have a right to enjoy until it interferes with some ones else right. While in power they have to take care of those who want to go pubbing and those who dont want to go pub. Better leave it to individuals choice. Hope BJP learn from this and move forward stronger. We need a very strong opposition at the centre to counter the magnitude of corruption and inaction at the centre. This episode is shameful and damging the reputaion of the country rather BJP. Those who are in a position of authority need to behave descently. Good that they are asked to resign. Hope the rest who are not caught but doing much worse are exposed sooner.
"The best that can be said in an age where our legislatures are sporadic witnesses to a range of boisterous activity — fisticuffs, abuse, screaming, overthrown furniture, ripped out microphones, torn papers and flung slippers — is that the trio were at least passing their time in quiet communion." LOL, ek nambar phrase.
Indeed something to be shameful about.While we are beating our drums in the name of culture, heritage this is something which evinces the tawdryness of our politics. It was amusing to note that albeit being aware of the cameras monitoring our people hold the audacity to annihilate the image of the party. Also something interesting to note is that while our venerated polticians are in the phase of fighting the crucial game this is definitely going to be a topsy turn.
A SOUND SLAP on the face of Indian democracy ,this unprecedented
incident imparts the need to live telecast the discussions in
Parliament and state legislatures.
It is the 'reality on ground' situation of our politicians. By reading this and the other article about Acharya, the 'team Anna' so called crusaders against corruption may have to now realise that it is not only congress but also BJP is corrupt. They may have to train their guns against all of them rather focusing on one political party.
It was an another depressing day for me as I saw the news being flashed about the deeds of the three ministers in the state Assembly in Karnataka. In the time where every act of immorality,every act of violence against the society and women in particular fails to evoke the anger of people, it was another episode which fell on the ears of people very silently as if nothing of significance had happened. These are the people who have always played the role of moral police and on many occasions have been involved in the attacks on women in the name >of protecting the Indian culture. Not only that they should be condemned but simultaneously the society should strengthen its error correcting mechanism too.
Like rest of the political parties, BJP is also going to the dogs. Equally the new editor-in-chief is also resorting to "moral policing and self-styled vigilantism, regarding (him and the paper)....as the custodians of Indian morality.
Well, well, wonder what the Sangh Parivar has to say. And the minister's explanation is so hilarious (and creative). Newsclip! Surely the perverts would welcome this idea and wish next for a "news channel" which would give out lucrative details on a gang rape! Jokes apart, its a shame that our elected representatives have "NOTHING" better to do than watch a porn in an assembly instead of representing the people/ issues/ progress at large.
Parliament and Assemblies should consider using filters like corporates within their campuses.If this had happened in a corporate environment, one would be fired immediately without any question.
Aptly put. Hypocrisy is the detrimental to an open society. At least now, they should wake up and stop behaving like moral police-an opinion that most people have expressed in the past knowing the truth behind this so called 'pro hindu' movement.
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