Once known for their fiery speeches and intense rivalry, BJP leader Laxmi Kanta Chawla and Congress leader Prof Darbari Lal have now found common ground. They both agree that corrupt politicians are making way for non-political entities such as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).
A History of Political Rivalry
Their rivalry was so fierce that the BJP and Congress could not imagine fielding any other candidate from the Amritsar Central Assembly constituency. They contested four Assembly elections against each other in 1985, 1992, 1997, and 2002. Each won two elections. The outcome of their Assembly seat was among the most closely watched in Punjab. They never sought tickets from their party offices; instead, senior party leaders would approach them to contest.
Both leaders are now over 80 years old and were born in undivided India. They have weathered numerous political storms, including the Partition of India, refugee migration, the Punjabi Suba Movement, the formation of present-day Punjab, the Emergency, and the militant movement.
Criticism of Modern Politicians
Darbari Lal, a three-time MLA, criticized the current generation of politicians, stating they are corrupt because political parties give tickets to the wealthy while ignoring dedicated party workers and their years of service. He added that these affluent leaders show no regard for social boundaries or etiquette and feel no shame when exposed. Instead, their supporters greet them with pomp and show upon release from jail. In the past, candidates with limited economic means would think carefully before making decisions that could bring dishonor to themselves or their families.
He noted that today's politicians are known for luxurious lifestyles, wearing shoes and wristwatches worth lakhs, and owning flashy cars. This mindless pursuit of material wealth forces them to make unjust decisions.
Laxmi Kanta Chawla's Perspective
Laxmi Kanta Chawla served as a legislator three times and was a Cabinet Minister in the Parkash Singh Badal government. She once cycled to the Punjab Assembly after learning of a taunt by a legislator. She remarked that the current flock of leaders is chasing power and wealth. Citing the mass exodus of TMC leaders, she said they convey that they align with whichever party wins.
She emphasized that democracy functions well with a strong opposition. However, she lamented that instead of loktantra (democracy), we have notetantra (money-run government) and mukka-tantra (muscle power-run government).
Changing Election Expenses
Chawla recalled that she was a lecturer at BBK DAV College when the party asked her to contest the Amritsar nagar palika election in 1972, which she won. She spent only Rs 740 during the campaign and deposited sehre (garlands of money) worth Rs 125 with the party office. Now, the scene has entirely changed, with a councillor spending lakhs on a campaign.
