Friday, March 19, 2010

Currency garland


It was indeed shocking to read that BSP workers, who presented currency garlands to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and their party chief Mayawati on Monday and Wednesday, have decided to do so at all future programmes. Is it not an act of dishonour inflicted on our national currency? Ms Mayawati as well as her followers should realise that such activities will not, in any way, enhance the prominence of the leader. In fact, it will lead to a decline in the fame gained hitherto.

It is indeed shameful that in a country where thousands are starving, a political leader should embarrass us with such uncalled-for display of money. It is time our leaders grew up.

Uttar Pradesh, which could have progressed well, is among the most backward states, thanks to the lack of political will and indifferent leadership. Even a fraction of money used in the garlands presented to Ms Mayawati by BSP workers could have been used for better purposes. And the time utilised in planning and organising meaningless political rallies can be devoted to drawing up plans for better governance.

The BSP's act of offering a currency garland to its leader not once but twice is surprising. It reflects the current trend in politics. Is not a simple garland of flowers enough to show respect to a leader? What is the need for such vulgar display of wealth? The sight of a leader wearing a garland full of currency notes is an insult to the poor struggling for a square meal a day.

The RBI's clean note policy prohibits stitching of packets of currency notes by banks, disregarding the risks of pilferages, because the notes get mutilated and soiled before their intended lifetime. Political parties can escape from Income Tax rules on one pretext or the other. But how can they flout the RBI's direction?