Can We Resolve In The New Year To Raise Our Standards Of Decency?

Politically Incorrect

- Shobhaa De

Diwali is as good a time as any to ask an important question: Why has basic decency disappeared from public life and discourse? It is shocking and disturbing to read or listen to some of the most high profile people in the country descending to taking cheap shots and name calling, when a plain presentation of proof and a tabling of facts is all that’s required to make a point. The ongoing tu-tu-mein-mein between minister Nawab Malik and the former chief minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, has reached a point where one feels like asking both to take a crash course in public conduct and stop disgracing themselves. We used to think being ‘besharam’ (minus shame) was repulsive enough. But today we are forced to deal with ‘budtameez’ (devoid of grace) exchanges that even street goondas would think twice before indulging in as brazenly. Malik’s uncouth charges surprised nobody. But the generally sober Fadnavis going all ballistic and belligerent made one wonder. Now to wait for the promised ‘bomb’ to drop, post-Diwali.

Meanwhile, our missing former Commissioner of Police, Param Bir Singh, may just be enjoying Belgian waffles in the country of their origin going by Malik’s rumour machine. All this, while former home minister Anil Deshmukh gets picked up by the same coterie of cops who were seen as Param Bir Singh’s men. More allegations, more innuendos but zero action!