What Is Wrong With These Men?

I have been wondering over this question, because I see in pictures in newspapers and other media reports, men in Tamil Nadu politics, perpetually in an attitude of worship. Both hands folded in the front in an act of supplication, bent slightly forward from waist onwards, head bowed and eyes respectfully cast on the ground, as in an act of worship, around a woman!

I am perplexed and wonder what is wrong with these men in Tamil Nadu? Not that they are in this postures in front of their wives, who are also women. In their own houses and with their own women, these men are like lions. They roar, twist their moustaches with their fingers, and demand respect and service.

The oft heard remark in Tamil Nadu cultural settings, especially from the parents of the bridegroom is, ‘how can he cook at home? He is born a boy!’ The male species of human beings in Tamil Nadu are not supposed to cook! That is demeaning for a man to engage in, especially at home! It is the woman’s job! How can you expect a man to do that?

The other remark which men in Tamil Nadu are supremely famous for uttering, especially to their wives is, ‘I wear the pants in this house.” That is supposed to mean that the husband is the man of the house and the wife better recognise her subordinate role in the marriage and behave. Her place is strictly in the kitchen.

It is almost like the male lion in a pride, which will not hunt its food, for the females, the lionesses of the pride join and hunt, but the first morsel of the bite will have to go to the male! That is the beauty of a lion, male, who presides over the pride of females and bosses over them and has the best served to him on the platter. Same usually holds good for the men in Tamil Nadu.

So, what really happens in the political world, where the same men, who are lions in their respective homes, bend forward with folded hands in an act of supplication and worship to a woman in power?

Is it a remnant of Shakti worship, where goddess Shakti is feared and worshipped for her ferocity and power and her willingness to give boons to her devotees?

One somehow tried to justify in this manner and in other ways, the Tamil Nadu Members of Legislature (MLAs) doing this obeisance to the then Chief Minister Jayalalitha, respectfully called ‘Amma,’ ‘mother,’ by everyone. Alas, she is no more. After all, when she was alive, she was a power to reckon with.

But, in a minute, after Amma died, they started doing this obeisance to ‘Chinnamma!’ This ‘little amma,’ literal translation, aka Sashikala is no other than the one who served Amma during her political sojourn, loyally, almost like a servant. Now these MLAs switched gear and have started to worship this lady!  Really, what is wrong with these men?

Leave alone Chinnamma, now a new figurine has emerged, in Deepa, the niece of Jayalalitha, who has thrown her hat in the ring, as it were, and Paneerselvam, the present caretaker Chief Minister, and his coterie are seen in the oft seen attitude of worship around this girl, a mere straddling in political world! How do you explain this?

Is it money, power and position that makes these me bend backwards and forwards, and lie prostrate in an act of worship before these Ammas and Chinnammas? Are they so spineless and cowardly in front of power and authority? Or are they just greedy for the opportunity to make money under the protection of these goddesses and escape with their lives? What is it?

Money is a big attraction, I am sure. Politicians thrive on corrupt money and Jayalalitha was no exception. This has been proved by the Supreme court decision, which came in just a few days back indicting Jayalalitha and her coterie for having made illegal money during their regime. Fortunately for Jayalalitha, she is dead and managed to hoodwink even the Supreme Court of India!

The same cannot be said about Chinnamma, who along with her two other partners, has been interned in the Bangalore jail just last evening. Is it for this corrupt money and the power that comes along with it, that the men, MLAs in Tamil Nadu, are prostrating before the powers that be?

Sashikala has cleverly cornered all the property and money of the dead Jayalalitha and is in charge of the party money. No wonder these men are falling at her feet now.

Position of authority as a Minister in the cabinet or even a Chairman of a Board, and State Public Sector Units, means power and means to milk the perennial cow, the State budget meant for schemes. Proximity to the Leader, the Chief Minister, means an MLA or a party worker can land in one of these lucrative posts and make money and enjoy all the perks associated with the post.

Is it for this these men sell of their dignity and self-respect and lick the dust in front of these Ammas? What a sad scenario for Tamil Nadu. Not that it is any better in the other parts of the country, but still it is not this bad.

One does remember the pressure brought on Sonia Gandhi to become the President of National Congress after the assassination of her husband, Rajiv Gandhi. Main reason, she held the keys to the party funds and also carried the legacy of the dynasty established by Indira Gandhi. All that the others have to do is to just stay in the shadow of this legacy and milk the cow and enjoy the loot.

I am hoping that one day this scenario will change and people all over India will not just be pleased with the crumbs these politicians throw under their table and really elect some honest and worthy leaders as their political representatives and behave with dignity required of a human being, both inside their homes and outside in the political arena.  

God bless Tamil Nadu and God bless India!