Passengers in Pakistan who shooed a couple of politicians off an aircraft that had been kept waiting for them performed a signal service to highlight the increasing frustration with VIP culture. Coming as it did in the very feudal setting of Pakistan in which not only politicians but also Army generals and bureaucrats command certain privileges, such a protest might well become a reference point for an “Aam Aadmi Spring” against the culture of privileges.
VIP and celebrity culture may exist in all countries, but in Asia it is assuming proportions not commensurate with the positions held and powers wielded. The security cover of important people, who face threats because of the nature of the stand they take on public issues, is understandable to an extent. It is the extension of the culture of privileges to already heavily guarded areas like airports that shows how the system has been twisted by VIPs and those who genuflect before them.
The aviation industry in India is also on the cusp of change as a minister has inspired the issuing of orders to withdraw the privileges of VIPs at airports. This applies not only to exemption from security checks but also in receiving and seeing off those in political office. They have to be reminded that they enjoy office only because of the public’s vote.
