Democracy in India prevails because people are the ultimate source of power. It is impossible that people rule directly the institutions of governance. So, people’s representatives, MP’s and MLA’s, as they are called in India, are elected to rule on behalf of people. Here, people means not only healthy ones but everybody who is a citizen of this country and is above the prescribed age for voting. This statement reflects the notion that every Indian, irrespective of his/her caste, creed, race, sex, whether they are healthy or unhealthy have the right to choose their representative. But, often the representatives forget their electorate and fail to uphold the rule of law which is their primary responsibility.
In this context, it is important to mention Assam’s health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his remark that people suffer from life threatening diseases like Cancer due to sins committed by them. This he referred to as ‘Divine justice.’
It can be understood that there are limits in ensuring that good governance reaches remotest areas of the country, but what constantly tickles the mind is that, if the health minister is believing ‘Divine justice’ is the solution then why is he holding the health portfolio?
The ‘sin remark’ of the minister has not only invited criticism from various sections of society, but his remark has rubbed salt on the wounds of the cancer patients.
It seems that there is no remedy in the constitution to cure unhealthy minds like Himanta Biswa Sarma, the representative chosen by his people.