and one does not need to elaborate on that..it's all around us!
Everyone with an iota of power abuses it.The people be damned!!
And then there is Mamata Bannerjee..a breath of fresh air.
Yes..the same fiesty fiery Mamata Bannerjee..our Minister for the Railways..who took on the might of the corporate world on behalf of the people. Yes..for people like you and me.
A People's Politician.
I had the privilege of a brief encounter with her..
I was waiting for my flight to Goa on the 22nd of november..and I noticed Didi (will call her that for brevity's sake) accompanied by her party MP. Dinesh Trivedi at the airport with no Black Cats or bodyguards..just a normal human being..like you and me.
Flight announced..Boarding time.
I was sitting..waiting for people to board..and to my pleasant surprise..there was Didi standing in the queue!! Waiting to board economy!! Or is it "Cattle Class" a la Mr. Tharoor?
I was overwhelmed by her attitude..and went up and asked if I could speak to her..I then thanked her for standing in the queue like any ordinary citizen of our country. She said she always stood in queue..and flew economy! Think she knew exactly what I was saying..that we are fed up of people in power abusing their position!!
I ended by saying that no politician stood in queue..and thanked her again for standing in the queue.
I was reading a fascinating new book by Ramachandra Guha..Makers of Modern India..and on an impulse..I gave the book to Didi as I entered the aircraft..and though surprised..she accepted it gracefully.
Short flight..boring food. Looking forward to chilling out in Goa..mmmmmm.
A few minutes before touchdown I notice Mr. Dinesh Trivedi coming down the aisle of the aircraft. He comes up to me and hands me a note from Didi..in which she thanks me for going up to talk to her and then thanks me further for the book.
Ms. Mamata Bannerjee..may your tribe grow.
