Political class undermining Institutions -Editorial

The fallout of Union minister for minority affairs A R Antulay’s remarks on the killing of ATS chief Hemant Karkare displays the worst of the 

Indian political class’ habitual politicisation of terror as well as the propensity to communalise situations. The only thing possibly worse than Antulay’s insinuation that the ATS chief’s murder was part of some dark conspiracy is his dogged insistence to stick to his baseless claim. 

Apart from the fact that a veteran politician and a former chief minister of Maharashtra thought it fit to try and legitimise a conspiracy theory, to do so in the case of such a sensitive issue symbolises the deeper malaise that afflicts our political system. The way the ATS had been conducting investigations into various terrorist incidents, including the Malegaon blasts, was exemplary. 

And yet, the reactions from across the political spectrum to the ATS’ Malegaon probe highlighted precisely the communalisation of terror that has prevented the emergence of a holistic and unified counter-terror mechanism. Earlier, the BJP had virtually sought to invent a ‘patriotic terror’ formulation and targeted the ATS — and particularly Karkare himself — in its desperate attempts to muddy the Malegaon probe. 

And now, the Congress’ juggling act on Antulay’s remarks once again posits the party’s sleight-of-hand votebank politics. In the process, as witnessed in the current session of Parliament, there is also the possibility of the rare show of political unity witnessed in the aftermath of the Mumbai attacks falling apart. 

Both the BJP’s earlier tirade against the ATS as well as Antulay’s conspiracy theory only end up undermining state institutions themselves. What both said, in effect, was that they don’t trust the country’s police investigations. Faced with the collective task of fighting terrorism, more so since it also entails dealing with Pakistan, such politicking on security matters can only spell failure. 

On the Congress’ part, it is important to at least ask Antulay to retract his statement, if not accept his reported resignation. It needs no emphasising that using terror as another vote-bank tool, particularly in the current climate and with impending Lok Sabha polls, can only perpetuate the cycle of strife.