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MP oversteps jurisdiction

Canal recovery drive foiled
1 November 2010, 18:00 PM
EDITORIAL
Moves to free canals of illegal occupants have stumbled once again. This time it was the local MP, an elected representative of the people, who personally prevented a team of WASA and the district administration from conducting its cleaning work that was planned to free the 2.5 km long Kalyanpur canal from illegal occupation. The action of the MP has been most imperious, not to say that it was totally unwarranted, coming from one that not only represents the local people but one who is also supposed to set examples of respect for law. This is perhaps the first instance where a government programme undertaken specifically at the order of the PM has been sought to be foiled by a member of her own party. How more preposterous can things get? Needless to say, this has set a very bad example where a public representative has stood in the way of implementation of a government policy intended to deliver public good. It has also clearly shown the lack of coordination between the ruling party policymakers and its MPs. May we ask under what authority the MP prevented government officials from performing their duty? He cannot be unaware of the fact that interfering with the functioning of public officials is an offence under the law of the land. The honourable member of the parliament cannot be also unaware of the fact that the clearing drive is a part of the programme undertaken after deliberate consideration at a meeting headed by a minister. Why then this unwarranted demonstration of clout which amounts to abuse of power of the worst kind. If the parliament member had any reservation about the matter he could have registered those at the right forum and with the appropriate person and at the appropriate time. The manner of his remonstration has certainly diminished the credibility of the government and the party, if anything. What it has demonstrated too is that the government directive has come in direct conflict with the interest of the local MP and where, regrettably, his interest has prevailed. Apparently, role of the MPs is getting blurred by the day and more and more are public representatives behaving like satraps not law makers. And the government must take the blame for it too, for giving the MPs the impression that they are the all in all in their constituency, and also by making the local government bodies weak and dysfunctional. It is time for the government to make it clear to the parliament members that it is not their job to meddle in administrative or executive affairs but to concentrate seriously on their primary task of legislation and helping the government implement development policies.

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