People Will Hold Them Accountable

COMMUNICATION

Though the BJP has romped to a Lok Sabha majority albeit with “only” 31 per cent vote-share, the huge victory of the BJP is uncontestable within the parameters of the existing electoral system. The people of India have clearly chosen the BJP as the ruling party, and the BJP in turn has chosen Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of India. Thus, whether or not a citizen has voted for the BJP, Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister for every Indian irrespective of his/her sex, education, ideology, religion, caste or creed.

Citizens need to recall that while every Member of Parliament swears to “bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India as by law established, that I will uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India and that I will faithfully discharge the duty upon which I am about to enter”, and Ministers swear to “do right to all manner of people in accordance with the Constitution and the law, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will”, the Prime Minister swears “to abide by the Constitution and the laws”.

In addition to our fundamental duty in accordance with Article 51A (a) to (k) of the Constitution, we as citizens need to hold all Members of Parliament (of all parties), all Ministers and the Prime Minister, accountable to their constitutional oath sworn before the President of India. We need to demand not only our own personal freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution, but also demand justice, liberty and equality, for the poor and unempowered majority of Indians.

Just as Dr Manmohan Singh and his Cabinet were held accountable, We the People will hold Narendra Modi and his Cabinet accountable to their sworn duties. Best of luck, Mr Prime Minister!

Dr S.G. Vombatkere

475, 7th Main Road
Vijayanagar 1st Stage
Mysore-570017

E-mail: sg9kere@live.com