Let leaders too have fun

The media always sensationalises any trivia into a big show. This time it donned the role of a grumpy and disgruntled chaperon who wants everybody, especially our political leaders, to behave. The case in point: Shyam Bahadur Singh, Janata Dal (United) member of the Bihar Assembly, organised a 'fun and frolic' event for entertainment of the members of his Ziradeio constituency in Siwan district.
To add pizazz to the event and spice up the entertainment barometer, a few girls were trotted to the gathering. As the evening progressed, the crowd went into a frenzy, and jived to their favourite Bollywood numbers. In no time, Singh, full of enjoyment and merriment, joined the gathering, and was seen shaking a leg with the girls. A feat which other politicians try to emulate, but are hardly successful. We saw the visuals of Singh in full motion, matching step for step and move for move. More importantly, he was having a gala time, enjoying every bit of the party, which media doesn't tolerate in our political class. A section of media accused Singh of making indecent moves. The media is basically hooked only on rallies, programmes and issues of what collectively appeals to the masses (like snore inducing programmes full of patriotic songs, meandering speeches and panel discussions ). The do drew a lot of flak and went into a bit of tailspin, raised a lot of furrowed brows among the media bigwigs, and raised some voices of disillusionment.
Our country has a bigoted perspective on how the leaders should behave. And for that the finger wagging media is largely to blame. The issue has aroused myriad of speculation and we need understand the problem from as many perspectives as possible. All right-thinking and well-informed persons will understand that this whole incident was pushed into some convenient direction. As we shift through conjecture, facts and fiction this is what bothers me. Are we right to judge Singh? Do politicians have a life of their own beyond their official one? Do they need moral policing? Who decides where to draw the line? Why can't politicians nurse a drink or dance in a party? Why do our politicians have to be squeakily funless? No laws were broken, no one was upset. So what makes people think that our leaders can't shake a leg. I'm not sure what the answers to the questions are, but it is time to reconsider our stands. After a day's hard work, every one is entitled to a little colour and fun in life. Rather than running them down, the people should love a person, who is more accommodating, altruistic and succumbs to foibles and shortcomings like others. Thank Singh for showing everyone the way. Way to go Mr Singh!