Pity the poor member of Parliament — what a tough life he/she leads. Nothing to their lives except being the elected representative of a large number of people, a paid-for residence, subsidised canteen meals, free air and train travel, long holidays from work and salaams wherever you go. This is all very well, but where’s that extra respect, those markers of status; not everyone can get “Z-plus” security, you know.
The Lok Sabha’s privileges committee has now suggested that MPs be provided with red beacons on their cars. You know, those flashing lights which immediately alert the poor citizen and the lowly cop from a distance that a Really, Really Important person is on the way.
The timing of this demand is strange, to say the least. Our MPs are seen holding up parliamentary business with frequent disruptions and are in the news for not paying rent or telephone bills; you would think asking for more privileges would be the last thing on their minds. Not at all; when it comes to status-enhancing measures, the MPs can be like little Oliver, who always wanted more.
Some among us might churlishy wish to deny them such things: we may want our elected representatives to be more servants of the people than bosses. Such attitudes are not helpful; it only discourages them from doing their job. Without the red beacon, they just cannot function. And besides, our view doesn’t matter; in the end they’ll simply get what they want anyway.