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Shobhaa De is an established writer, columnist, opinion shaper and social commentator, who is considered an authority on popular culture.)
Are we nuts? Or idiots? Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law says so!
Priyanka Gandhi's buff hubby, Robert Vadra - Delhi's perennial party boy and - front row fixture at assorted fashion shows has landed himself in a mess flexing those pumped up biceps (the size of well-fed puppies) during an altercation with an ANI reporter, who had the himmat to ask him a forbidden question, when he was supposed to stick to the script and focus on body building.
After all, the individual infamously referred to as a 'thug' and India's 'Al Capone' by Dr. Subramaniam Swamy was doing the honours inaugurating a gym, and not addressing a political rally. The ANI chap bravely tried to push his luck by doing what any hard-nosed journo would have done face-to-face with a person who has a lot to answer for.
Little did the enterprising reporter know that a politely-worded question about the Haryana land scandal Vadra is embroiled in would lead to a national debate. Vadra lost it! Questioned the man's sanity, called him an idiot, pushed aside the mic and camera, and left his heavies to do the rest (demand the offensive footage get instantly deleted). All hell broke loose after that...
Here comes the far more interesting story. Once the clips went public, responses were sought from Congress-wallas. Diggy Raja dutifully trotted out the tired old, "He's a private citizen..." cliche and made it worse by projecting Vadra as a victim being 'hounded' by the media. Bechaara Bob! He must have felt so hurt, so hurt by that direct question, that his mother-in-law had to rush to his side and console him for 45 long minutes the next day at Priyanka's house.
Vadra, the private citizen, who has enjoyed the most incredible public privileges in the country all these years, is a seriously pissed off man.
As a very private citizen, who has never held any public office (or any known office, for that matter!), Robert's supporters have every right to protest. After all, the poor guy just happens to get treated like a VVIP - is that his fault? Yes, he has body guards and commandos trailing him... so what? Who stops other private citizens from hiring their own private armies, huh? And why grudge the man a few chhota-mota perks like being exempt from frisking at airports etc.
These are small, petty matters in a democracy - let's face it, some people are just more equal, that's all. Why are the BJP chaps making such a big deal out of this? And imagine calling his behaviour 'inappropriate'. What is inappropriate about insulting a reporter doing his job? As if their party people have never misbehaved with the media?
Thank God for Sandeep Dikshit, who showed some sense by not endorsing this particular private citizen's right to intimidate a TV reporter. Unfortunately, Sandeep's simple act has not gone unnoticed by those out to prove their loyalty to Soniaji and her 'Damaadji'. It is being whispered that first Sheilaji (Sandeep's mother) praised Modiji (sort of) and now the son has made conciliatory noises when the First Family is being openly attacked. Definitely, something black in the lentils ...
The Broadcast Editors' Association has demanded an apology from First Citizen Vadra. Meanwhile, the public is being given lessons on what the Constitution of India says about the right to privacy, personal space and liberty by Congress spokesmen.
The question to ask is this: When on earth will Robert Vadra be ready to answer the questions being posed about the Haryana Land deals? Next week? Next month? Next year? Between gym routines? Right after strenuous work outs? Outside his favourite night club? Backstage during Fashion Week? He just has to say the word, and the media will be there at a time and venue picked by him. But if he really thinks the media is going to back off and let it go because of what happened on Saturday, forget it, bro.
No matter how inappropriate and inconvenient it appears to you and your ma-in-law's acolytes, there is a job to be done. If you have nothing to hide, and you are indeed innocent, prove it! And face the consequences - like any other private citizen of India.
It's true what you said about us a while ago - India is a banana republic full of mango people. There is just one kaddu - you! It's true what you said about us - we are nuts! We are idiots! Those questions should have been asked years ago. But this time we are also serious -
jawaab de do, beta. Till then, expect more questions.
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