Nobody talks of security as much as our Saffron friends, especially their representative-in-chief, Mr. Lal Krishn Advani. His complaint is understandable because no political party has as many enemies as the Saffron conglomerate.
The truth is the BJP and its earlier incarnation, the Jana Sangh, have shed enormous perspiration in losing friends and winning newer and newer foes.
In this combat the oft-repeated demand of Mr. Amar Singh for “Z Category” security passes our understanding. What anybody would gain from his death? Leaving that un-answered question to be answered by the Samajwadi Party General Secretary himself, let us recall the sad circumstances in which the late lamented Ms Indira Gandhi lost her life. She had full faith in the integrity of her Sikh bodyguard.
Also recall the circumstances in which the life of the late lamented Mr. Rajiv Gandhi was cut short.
As far as security lapse is concerned, had John F. Kennedy’s life not been successfully taken by a crook?
In our neighbourhood, the lives of Ministers rather the lives of their families are “regulated” by the armed bodyguards.
Yes, prayers in some mosques are also said there amidst the watchful eyes of the security personnel.
For a proper appreciation of the futility of security, let us recall an incident from the life of Caliph Umar Bin Abdul Aziz. He was a class by himself. When he was just a Prince, the entire lane or by-lane through which he happened to pass, would get perfumed because of the fragrance oozing from his body.
Once a trader from Yemen brought finest of the fine silk for the Prince. Feeling it with his fingers, he remarked: I wish it had been thinner. After sometime, the same trader brought another finest possible variety of silk from Yemen for the Prince, who was Caliph then. Feeling it, the Caliph said: I wish it had been somewhat thicker! The tradesman submitted: When I brought the finest possible silk last time, when you were Prince, you had said: “I wish it had been thinner.” Now when you are Caliph, I have brought another finest possible variety and you are saying: “I wish it had been somewhat thicker!”
The Caliph did not respond.
Soon after assumption of power as the Head of the State, Caliph Umar Bin Abdul Aziz told his wife: “You come from a royal, rich family. Blue blood runs into your veins. I am afraid the days to come would be utterly harsh for you. If you wish, I am prepared to divorce you!?”
The elegant lady assured the Caliph she would remain with him through thick and thin.
The Caliph confiscated the entire public property which his corrupt relatives had annexed through devious means and thus swelled the volume of their private property.
Perhaps, the predecessors of Caliph Umar Bin Abdul Aziz had also “Z-Category” security, as now we see in the case of Mr. Amar Singh. History has it when the Caliph, for the first time, moved out of his house for the office, four, armed-to-the-hilt, able-bodied, young men emerged from nowhere and surrounded him.
The Caliph: Who are you, gentlemen?
Head of Security: We are your bodyguards, Your Majesty!
The Caliph: Who has sent you?
Head of Security: Your Majesty! It is a tradition and part of protocol. We are here to ensure your security. All the Caliphs of the past had bodyguards.
The Caliph: So, where have gone all of them?