Too Little, Too Late

Last week captured a true snapshot of the nations mind. 

Angry. Frustrated. 

Why is our leadership not in consonance with the national mood?

Why don't I believe them, when my leaders try to assure me?

Why do my fingers flip the channel each time I see them debating national issues on television?

When tragedy struck, Barack Obama addressed mourners after the shooting incident. Except that his countrymen did not have to sit on the streets for a week for him  to express solidarity. To show that the state cares.And he did not say, “I also have kids. What more can I do?”

What he said was, “I can only hope that it helps for you to know that you are not alone in your grief, that our world too has been torn apart. That all across this land, we have wept with you; we have pulled our children tight.  We are left with some hard questions. Can we honestly say that we’re doing enough, to keep our children, all of them, safe from harm? Can we say that we’re truly doing enough to give all the children of this country the chance they deserve to live out their lives in happiness and with purpose?” he asked. “I’ve been reflecting on this the last few days, and the answer is No.”

There was honesty and sincerity in his words. 

Why have we lost faith in our leaders? 
A brief look at what they said after the incident tells us why.

Our  Home minister said, “I have three daughters. What more can I do?”  After protests took an ugly turn, there were some forced remedial steps. 

Too little. Too late.

When asked why he refused to talk to the protesters, he equated Delhi-ites with Maoists. Seriously? Our leaders can address rallies called by their own party but cannot talk to aggrieved citizens? 

Our sensitive Chief Minister expressed helplessness. Isn’t her government ruling at the center? Surely the police was taking orders from somewhere. Who was controlling the situation which went out of hand? Why is that person not accountable?
 The Lieutenant Governor of Delhi was away and returned after the situation was diffused. Why? 

Meanwhile a day after the incident, the young CM of UP promised a job and money for the treatment of the brave girl. It was the regular sickening tossing of government jobs as largesse. In that moment what the girl needed was justice, not work. Plus, we are aware of his party's stand when it comes to issues related to women. So why the lip service?

While the outrage was brewing, the Dalit leader was busy canvassing for the Quota bill. While I understand  her agenda for the underprivileged, but on that unfortunate day, the most underprivileged girl was the one lying in the hospital. Since urban citizens are not her vote banks. So why bother?

Sushma Swaraj began doing what she does best. Rendering speeches. Soon politics took over and her supporters were seen shouting, ‘Shiela Dixit hai hai’. It was evident where her heart was. Why did she  allow her party's student wing to infiltrate a  non-political movement? 
Other  BJP leaders arrived on television wearing their  halos but did nothing to reach out to the protesters. If terror could not unite them, it is silly to expect them to come together on issues like rape.As expected they are happily playing politics with rape.

 In fact playing politics is the biggest game going around. And why not? It is the most profitable one.
So they are all queuing up to visit the distraught family.  For a photo opportunity, of course.Report
As the nation grappled with the insensitive comments, another MP added salt to the wounds by calling genuine protestors as 'dented painted' women. Do painted women have no right to protest?

After what happened in Delhi, perhaps what we need most are the judicial reforms and police reforms, hanging fire since Independence. It means insulation of police and judiciary from political interference in appointments, transfers, arrests and investigations.  But it is not easy to give away the reigns of control. Is it?  

More so if power comes without accountability.

This case was a tipping point. People are angry. They want action and not words. Next outrage could be for the lack of water or electricity supply. Who knows? 

Pic Courtesy: The economist.com (Google Pics)