Living with corruption

Sir, - The Assembly election results of Tamil Nadu have some serious implications in the social context. The sweeping victory of the AIADMK-led front is a clear indication that corruption is a practically insignificant issue in our democratic set-up. The front was committed to the leadership of Ms. Jayalalitha even though she had been declared ineligible by the Election Commission to fight the elections.

Whether the Constitution will allow her to continue as Chief Minister is yet to be seen, although simple common sense suggests that a person legally barred from fighting an election cannot be given the responsible position of heading a State.

But the election results clearly indicate that the people of Tamil Nadu were only too happy to see her in the Chief Minister's chair, ignoring the corruption charges against her.

It is sad and disturbing that the Indian people have virtually accepted corruption as an integral and irremovable part of life. People have now started feeling that it is futile for an average individual to think of fighting corruption.

The growing opinion is that one should learn the art of survival with corruption around. Speaking against corruption is becoming more a ritual than a matter of genuine concern.

Y. P. Joshi,

Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Opinion
Previous : A look at India's villages - II
Next     : Her priority as CM