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By:

Correspondent

23 August 2024 at 4:29:04 pm

Cheap Politics

Democracy does not merely test a politician’s ability to win elections. It tests character when applause is easiest to earn through the cheapest of means. Udhayanidhi Stalin, son of former Chief Minister DMK chief M.K. Stalin, has repeatedly failed that test. His arrest over an allegedly vulgar, sexually suggestive remark aimed at Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and actor Trisha Krishnan is, in one sense, a legal matter that must be adjudicated by the courts. Whether his words meet the...

Cheap Politics

Democracy does not merely test a politician’s ability to win elections. It tests character when applause is easiest to earn through the cheapest of means. Udhayanidhi Stalin, son of former Chief Minister DMK chief M.K. Stalin, has repeatedly failed that test. His arrest over an allegedly vulgar, sexually suggestive remark aimed at Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and actor Trisha Krishnan is, in one sense, a legal matter that must be adjudicated by the courts. Whether his words meet the threshold for criminal liability under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Information Technology Act or Tamil Nadu’s law against harassment of women is for judges to decide. But legality is not the only standard by which public life should be measured. Political decency matters. And the DMK leader has once again demonstrated a startling absence of judgment. During a protest over the Cauvery water dispute, Udhayanidhi, the opposition’s most recognisable face allowed himself to descend into playground innuendo after sections of the crowd chanted an actor’s name. A rally meant to spotlight one of Tamil Nadu's most pressing water disputes was instantly reduced to gossip and insinuation. That may have amused partisan supporters, but it did nothing to advance the cause they had assembled to champion. The DMK predictably insists this is political vendetta by the ruling TVK government, a convenient diversion from administrative failures. This does not absolve Stalin of responsibility for his own conduct. Those who aspire to govern must also know where civility ends and crudity begins. His latest controversy is part of a troubling pattern. Udhayanidhi’s repeated pouring of vitriol over Sanatana Dharma – in 2023, he compared Sanatana Dharma to malaria, dengue and COVID-19 – has generated precisely the outrage it appeared designed to provoke. His subsequent reiteration in the Tamil Nadu Assembly that Sanatana Dharma “must certainly be abolished” suggested his penchant for manufacturing controversies and dominating headlines. This is especially disappointing because Tamil Nadu has long prided itself on an intellectually rigorous political culture. The state’s public discourse has produced formidable debaters, social reformers and administrators capable of combining ideological conviction with rhetorical sophistication. Now it seems that dynastic entitlement has become a substitute for political maturity. The burden on second-generation leaders is heavier precisely because inherited prominence invites heightened scrutiny. Every careless phrase reinforces the suspicion that public office has become less about public service than permanent performance. India’s politics already suffers from performative outrage and collapsing standards of public debate. It needs fewer provocateurs and more statesmen. Until politicians understand that distinction, the coarsening of democratic discourse will continue, regardless of which party occupies the treasury benches or the opposition front row.

Collaborate with religious leaders, teachers, and community groups to enhance public safety

Updated: Nov 18, 2024

Praveen Dixit

In an interview, Praveen Dixit, IPS, Special Rapporteur NHRC for Maharashtra & Goa, and Director General of Police (Retired) Maharashtra, talks about the challenges before the police force and the solutions. Excerpts…


Q: Convicted gangsters like Lawrence Bishnoi and his rivals are increasing their activities, and the situation seems similar to the Bombay of the 90s. What are your thoughts on this emerging situation?

A: The situation in Mumbai today is starkly different from the 1990s. Back then, Dawood Ibrahim and his rivals hired convicted sharpshooters. Now, gangs recruit unemployed youth under 17 with no criminal record. Crime has become borderless, involving recruits from remote areas across the States and beyond.


Key figures like Amol Bishnoi, brother of Lawrence Bishnoi, are operating from abroad, with associates in Canada and other countries. Suspected state-backed operatives from China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka may also be involved.


Three international factors complicate India’s security: ultra-leftist groups, Muslim fundamentalist sympathisers, like ISIS and Al Qaeda affiliates, and anarchist-backed organisations like those supported by George Soros. Rising trends in drugs, weapon smuggling, cybercrime, and cryptocurrency converge to exploit religious, regional, and social divides, fuelling organised crime’s rapid growth.


Q: What are the challenges before our law-enforcing agencies?

A: Crimes like youth radicalisation, jihadi recruitment, smuggling, cybercrimes, and cryptocurrency often have external links, with some countries sponsoring terrorism and fake currency.


Q: Gangsters in jails have access to mobile phones and other contraband and continue to commit crimes like murder, extortion, and smuggling. How can this be stopped?

A: Indian jails suffer from outdated infrastructure and British-era laws, with repeated calls from the Supreme Court for updates. Overcrowding in metropolitan jails contrasts with underused district jails, while trial delays worsen jail populations. Under the Bhartia Nagarik Suraksha Sanvita (BNSS), video conferencing has enabled remote bail hearings and healthcare access for over 11,000 prisoners since 2017. Most jails need modernisation within 5-7 years, with issues like mobile misuse and unauthorised media access on the rise.


Q: What is your take on Baba Siddiqui's matter?

A: More than 20 accused have been arrested from across the country. As per the investigating officer, jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s brother Anmol, believed to be living in Canada, was allegedly behind the murder, but the motive was not clear. The accused were provided weapons, cartridges, SIM cards, and mobile phones. It appears neither Baba Siddique nor his son had disclosed these threats. Celebrities receiving threats must inform the police immediately and avoid any routine that makes it easy for them to be identified and assaulted. This may be a business rivalry, not a political assassination. The investigation will determine the motive.

Q: Is Mumbai returning to an earlier period of the 90s when celebrities were receiving threats from underworld gangs?

A: Today, with legislation such as the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) as modified in 2012, and the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities (MPDA) Act, the police are in a much stronger position to ensure stern action against criminals on record. These preventive measures would ensure the situation of the nineties would not relapse. Those receiving threats should avoid paying extortionists. People should have faith in the competency of the police and help the police to nab these criminals. At the same time, people should also take maximum precautions as suggested by police on their websites about their safety.

Q: What other steps are needed to improve the situation?

A: Cybercriminals use fake threats like digital arrests and social media scams to defraud crores daily. They launder money through 'mule' accounts, 4.5 lakh of which were frozen last year, often using stolen KYC documents. Police are investigating the bank officials involved.


To protect yourself, avoid unverified calls, suspicious apps, and unsolicited email links. Confirm recipients before transferring funds. Report scams to cybercrime.gov.in or dial 1930/14407.


Preventing youth drug abuse is also vital. Rehabilitation centres are available, and the 1056 DISHA helpline offers support. Reintegrating juveniles through skill training can deter crime.


Police should collaborate with religious leaders, teachers, and community groups to enhance public safety.

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