Loose cannons have been a feature of Indian democracy. In the eyes of politicians, a microphone and TV camera was never an adversary, only a gateway to the public eye. Judging even by those broad parameters, Sakshi Maharaj of the BJP must be an exceptionally talented rabble-rouser, he being the one who suggested that Hindu women should have at least four children to “protect” their religion. Of course, he hit an all-time high in the outrageous remarks scale by brushing aside the controversy, saying, in the wisdom of the morrow — “raat gayi, baat gayi (the night passed, so too the talk)”.
Barely weeks ago, the same Maharaj of flippancy may have been semi-serious in declaring that Nathuram Godse, who assassinated Mahatma Gandhi, was a “patriot”. It may sound strange that even the vile act of a villain like Godse has its votaries, but such is the nature of politics that any wedge is sufficient to drive into national harmony. Embarrassed party boss passes off such maverick opinions as solely that of individuals rather than any official line of thinking, an acceptable enough argument knowing how difficult it has been for political parties to zip the mouths of those always willing to put their foot in it.
The Congress-driven UPA, the Left and myriad members of India’s spectrum of 5,000-odd political parties have had their fair share of members who spouted outlandish opinions. The point is India is suffering an overload of stupidity which goes beyond the guaranteed freedom of speech. The technology age must find an electronic gag to stop such comments.
