The word ‘nonsense’ acquired a whole new meaning when Rahul Gandhi used it to describe the ordinance seeking to save convicted legislators from disqualification. Nonsense, which is generally used in more harmless situations was suddenly the most evocative word in town (read country). This is what Rahul Gandhi said:
“I’ll tell you what my opinion on the ordinance is. It’s complete nonsense. It should be torn up and thrown away. That is my personal opinion,”
And nonsense triggered a whole new set of other more nonsensical reactions.
The NCP felt the outburst was embarrassing. NCP leader Praful Patel said:
I think the way the events have come out, it is very unfortunate. It could have been handled in a better way. It’s embarrassing,”
The BJP felt the outburst more fitting for a drama company. BJP Vice-President Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi asked:
Is this a government or a theatrical production? With such drama, the Congress will not be able to hide the government’s failures.
And with all these, Rahul Gandhi’s immediate challenger was not to be left behind. And Narendra Modi accused Rahul Gandhi of
committing the “sin” of insulting the Prime Minister when he was abroad…..and asked if the nation will be run based on the Constitution or whims of the “prince”.
And then ‘nonsense’ also attracted a reaction from where it should have reacted in the first place. The Prime Minister said
“The issues raised will be considered on my return to India after due deliberations in the Cabinet.”
The point is – all the fuss that unfolded, post Gandhi’s remark, should have been done with even before the Union Cabinet approved of it negating the Supreme Court order. That the government is actually okay to not disqualify convicted MPs and MLAs is the real nonsense.