Our collective faith in our political leaders was badly shaken this week, when Minister H.Y. Meti was accused of seeking sexual favours from a woman in return for some help. It seems as if people are forced to settle not for the best, but for the lesser evil. Two prominent activists Donna Fernandes and Pramila Nesargi talk to Ranjani Madhavan about our high-level leaders lowering the bar of decent conduct for society as a whole, in this week's Chat Room.
There was a time when Indians looked up to political leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawarhalal Nehru solely for their values. But there is little trace of such idealism today. In fact, the faith of Karnataka’s people in politicians was badly shaken earlier this week when former Excise Minister, H Y Meti was accused of sexually harassing a woman and had to demit office as a result.
"Political leaders set themselves above the rest. If they cannot conduct themselves in a befitting manner, what can we expect from ordinary people? " asks Ms Donna Fernandes. A women's rights activist, she is worried about the impact the incident could have on women in the workforce.
"Day in and day out we see reports of crimes against women. Therefore, it is compelling on our political leaders to act in a certain way. If they misbehave too, how will society change?" she demands. “And then what about the victim? This incident may have involved one woman, but it will make several ordinary women feel victimised,” she observes worriedly
"Every politician, who has ever been accused of such a crime, has always denied it. This is a done thing," she adds ruefully. The case may have gone to the CID , but this will be of little use as it can be easily arm twisted by the government, she contends. "I have a gut feeling that the Congress government will manipulate the CID," she sums up.
Her concerns are shared by noted lawyer and activist, Pramila Nesargi. “Many women go to work in government offices, private firms, schools, and hold posts as officers, and so on. Their confidence to go to work will be affected when they hear about a minister who sexually exploited a woman," she says.
"Also, the woman who was exploited by this minister, will be victimised forever. Her normal life has been spoilt. She will be afraid of society and will face stigma. She is absconding, probably because she feels threatened. Her work, married life are all ruined," notes the perturbed lawyer.
“If Vidhana Soudha is likened to a temple, where public service is seen as God's work, then this incident involving a minister has left its image tarnished. People could think there are no ministers there, but monsters," she concludes with a sense of hopelessness.
