The Rangat Formula : RD celebration of a different kind!
By Debkumar Bhadra, Shore Point, Bambooflat, S Andaman
The 63rd Republic Day celebration at Rangat had been under the cloud of confusion, which later took the shape of “an ego clash” over who would hoist the national flag at the official function at Rangat ground – the Adhyaksh N&M Andamans (Congress candidate) or the Pramukh Rangat (BJP candidate). As per the prevailing practice Pramukh, Rangat Samiti had been hoisting the national flag at the official function at Rangat ground since implementation of PRI system in 1995. But this time, it was speculated the Adhyaksh N&M Andamans would take the honour. The speculation turned out to be true as the Adhyaksh N&M Andamans emerged on the dais and hoisted the flag at the Rangat ground on the appointed day. Thus shattered, the 16 year old honor and privilege bestowed upon the post of Pramukh Rangat Samity.
The dejected BJP functionaries surprisingly kept their nerves under control and watched the proceedings unfurling before their eyes in disdain along with members of the general public from the gallery. They displayed better sensibility and patriotic fervor by not boycotting the flag hoisting ceremony but walked out en-masse soon after the flag was hoisted. They also skipped the evening reception as a mark of protest. Similarly, the party MP and its State President and few of the party dignitaries too joined in the issue and expressed displeasure by not attending the “at home” reception at Raj Nivas.
No doubt the incident had set a bad precedent on the other hand it unmasked the wicked face of our elected representatives. The grudge they keep in their hearts for members from rival groups and the opposition party stood exposed! Amid the clash of individual ego, unfortunately the state became casualty since the incident marred the state function which was hitherto celebrated with pomp and gaiety.
Aggrieved, BJP did whatever they thought could protect the honour of its elected party functionary. Discussed the issue publicly, issued strongly worded letters/press notes etc, even put up a (not so impressive) dharna, shouted slogans at Rangat, but in democracy, numbers decide winners, and it did.
Contrastingly none of the other political parties supported the cause since it was the BJP candidate whose privilege was at stake. The cause could neither garner public support nor ring a bell anywhere outside.
Ironically the authorities which is bound to uphold the interest of the state above individuals, party and politics, as usual remained cool, calm, collected and showed no concern for what is being said by the MP or its party on the streets of Rangat or in the private media since they were privy to the fact that the revised arrangement had the “all important approval” of island administration.
The turn of events thus makes one ponder, is it the way a state function should be conducted? The event indicates the vulnerability that our system faces wherein those in power could arm-twist to get personal agenda take precedence over set norms and get away with it. The incident therefore deserves serious consideration at the highest level and not to be swept under the carpet since interest of the state is of paramount importance.
The situation warrants an “unambiguous” and “defined” protocol for celebration of Republic day, Independence day and all other state functions. So that who-so-ever is designated to hoist the national flag is able to do it without causing a flutter and not accused of encroaching upon others privilege. Else in the coming days more and more “individuals with connections” would seek repeat of the Rangat formula!
Leave a Reply