Actual cleaning, not clean chits, needed

Kuljit Bains

Responding to Opposition charges of shielding Power and Irrigation Minister Rana Gurjit Singh in the sand mining case, Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh has cited the clean chit given to the industrialist-politician by the Justice Narang Commission. It may well be implied that the Chief Minister considers the matter closed, and does not view as important the mass of incriminating prima facie evidence already in public domain but ignored by the commission.

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Capt Amarinder Singh is correct in saying he has followed the due procedure, and is only accepting what has been found by an entirely legitimate exercise. However, he is erring majorly in judging the public perception of the matter. The confidence with which he brazens out the embarrassment will not change people’s view of the allegations.

While there is no conclusive evidence yet of the minister’s involvement in any illegality, it is also a fact that an honest effort has not been made to dig out that evidence. It can come only from empowered government investigation agencies — not the media, which has done its job by pointing in a certain direction.

Several MLAs within the Congress party are building pressure on the Chief Minister to take action against certain SAD leaders for the alleged wrongs committed under the previous government. These MLAs are essentially responding to a larger public sentiment against matters of corruption. There are subtle hints in this feedback, if anyone wants to pick.

The Chief Minister has repeatedly asserted there will be no politics of vendetta. This is a very valid and healthy decision. But not acting against visible illegalities, past or present, is likely to be seen more as a sign of weakness (if not complicity) than principles.

In the daily battle of words over suspected wrongs versus lack of evidence, a crucial factor is missed by the spin masters — the difference between being legally correct and morally correct. A bureaucrat can have the luxury of being only legally and technically correct. However, for a political leader, it is imperative to be seen standing on high moral ground. In fact, many an illegality will be overlooked if his actions are perceived as being in larger public interest. This moral high ground is not visible anywhere in the Punjab government’s denial of wrongs.

The list of suspicious activity, leniency, oversight, inaction, or even involvement, on the part of agents or agencies of the government is long. Several businesses, especially the ones dependent on permits or licences, do not even pass the test of legality, forget morality. Mining continued throughout the monsoon despite being prohibited in the season. Several unauthorised sites are being exploited. For one or the other reason, illegitimate bus permits continue. The cable monopoly is yet to be broken, to the detriment of free media. The liquor trade too has become monopolistic, leading to massive smuggling.

One sphere where the government may take genuine credit as far as public perception goes is reining in of the drug trade.

The unmitigated success the Congress has registered in the Gurdaspur byelection has enabled Capt Amarinder Singh to proclaim the popularity of his government. But it may be sobering to recollect that many governments — UPA-II, SAD-BJP-II in Punjab, even the current NDA at the Centre — saw their quickest slides after the steepest rise. Self-congratulation can have delusionary effects.

An important aspect the most powerful and undisputed Congress leader in the state may want to watch out for is this: one minister’s reputation does not affect the repute of a government much; but the day it begins to rub off on the top leader, the consequences can be unhappy.

Related stories:

I’m not shielding Rana Gurjit: CM

Punjab mining row: ‘Truth’ appeals to Narang panel, not complete truth

Punjab minister’s cook is Rs 26-cr sand mine owner

Ahead of May auction, Rana called up Mining Director

Rana Gurjit got Rs 25 crore from cook’s firms