If you’ve been a keen observer of the public discourse in India, you are probably immune to the bizarre and outlandish statements made by the worthies holding public office.
The Supreme Court Never Fails to Disappoint (thewire.in)
Arguing for the government in the Supreme Court, the Attorney General made two astounding averments: one, that the voter does not have any right to know how his vote has been recorded or counted, and two, that the public does not have the right to know who has contributed how much to which political party.
The first statement was intended to counter the very legitimate demand for a more extensive VVPAT verification of the votes cast in the EVMs, the second was in response to the challenge to the electoral bonds, which have effectively become the BJP’s private ATM.
We have never been in doubt that these statements are a faithful expression of the BJP’s private views, but the sheer brazenness of declaring it openly ― and in court! ― is mind-blowing. It is beyond arrogance and hubris, it shows utter contempt for the public, the constitution and (dare I say it?) even for the highest court.
by Avay Shukla
22/11/2023