Maya hits Pot(a) of gold

In the run-up to the passage of the draconian law in Parliament, these columns unequivocally argued that the law, as it is framed, is open to misuse. It was pointed out that it lacked adequate safeguards against being hijacked by the political regime of the day, to oppress the hapless citizen and to hound the political opponent. The political leadership was called upon to rethink and reframe the legislation through a participatory debate. In the event, the NDA government bulldozed the law through Parliament by calling a joint session, and those apprehensions festered unresolved. Now, they return to haunt the very regime that spurned them.

A disclaimer is needed perhaps: this is certainly not to be read as a defence of the notorious Raja Bhaiyya. Digging continues apace in the grounds of the Bhadri and Bainti palaces of the jailed legislator in Kunda and mine detectors may unearth yet more hidden treasures of sophisticated arms and ammunition, utensils and jewellery. But it is difficult to believe that Mayawati, who has not exactly been circumspect about the kind of political company she keeps as long as it helps shore up her claim to power, is motivated by righteous indignation at those misbegotten resources — even if she were, there are laws enough to deal with that crime. As she flings ‘anti-national’ at him, and accuses him of conspiring with the ISI, it is glaringly obvious that she is showing who’s the boss in UP. Having just added eight breakaway MLAs from the Congress to her numbers, a bolder, more confident Mayawati has flung down the political gauntlet. Act II in UP will show whether partner BJP is willing or able to pick it up.