Author: Dharmendra Jore
Publication: Hindustan Times
Date: November 27, 2009
URL: http://www.hindustantimes.com/special-news-report/News-Feed/Politicians-mess-up-again/Article1-480616.aspx
The occasion was solemn, but some politicians
cared little for that.
The only-by-invitation tribute ceremony that
the state government held on Thursday evening at Gateway of India was expected
to be a disciplined affair. But as the programme progressed, many attendees
felt that the common citizens outside the half-empty state enclosure were
far more heartfelt.
The event started late by almost an hour reportedly
because the politicians, including Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram, Chief
Minister Ashok Chavan, Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal and state Home
Minister R.R. Patil, delayed their arrival.
And when they did arrive, they disturbed the
all-faith prayer service that was on at the spot. Police officers, who left
no stone unturned to plan the event, were left with no option but to follow
protocol and rush to welcome their political bosses, resulting in disturbances.
Shashi Tharoor, minister of state for foreign
affairs, arrived almost at the fag end of the programme. Instead of taking
a seat discreetly while the police band played, he passed through several
rows followed by friends and stood talking to the parents of Major Sandip
Unnikrishnan, who was killed during the anti-terror operations. He greeted
other invitees on the way to his seat.
M.S. Bitta, of the All India Anti-Terrorist
Front, said: "Tharoor showed disrespect not only to the martyrs, but
also to the country. He shouldn't have disturbed the invitees."
Several MLAs arrived late and then ignored
the seating arrangements. The hosts had to direct them to their seats.
On the other hand, invitees from different
consulates arrived on time and waited uncomfortably for the politicians.
The hosts showed a documentary that displayed
the city police's newly-acquired might. Several officers, who had fought the
terrorists, assured through the film that their force would keep Mumbai safe.
Meanwhile, unmindful of the event, thousands
gathered outside. "We don't care for politicians because they don't care
for us," said Sandeep Yadav, who was part of the crowd.
