Illustration: Pariplab Chakraborty

Thakur got the support of Giriaraj Singh of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), one of the most foul-mouthed MPs that the Lok Sabha has, who is very open about his Islamophobia. But he drew flak from other quarters and had to clarify that he would do all public work, but those who have not voted for him should not expect him to do their personal work.

By issuing this warning to Muslims, Thakur immediately shot to national fame.

Despite condemnation, Thakur has stood his ground. It cannot be a one-way affair; give me your vote, get your work done, or suffer, is his refrain.

Thakur’s outburst tells us that our MPs do not know their primary task. They are confused about it and think that they are elected to develop their constituencies or, with the power that they get as MPs, to get people’s work done. Help them secure admission in schools or hospitals, etc. But this is not their job.

Thakur is not alone. Another BJP MP from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Bishnu Pada Ray too issued a threat to those he thinks did not vote for him.

“We will get people’s work done. But those who did not vote for us, must think …Nicobar Islands did not give me any votes. Car Nicobar, think about what is going to happen to you now,” he said.

Both Thakur and Ray think that they are elected lords. They forget that the Constitution asks them to perform their duties without........

© The Wire