Speaking the obvious!
I happened to visit the NDTV website and there was this eye-catching piece on the collapse of the flyover at Punjagutta, Hyderabad. This is the second tragedy after the notorious twin blasts a few days back. The article carried the statements made by a few distinguished personalities on the incident. However, reading this article angered me for reasons that a sane reader should find natural. Read and decide.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh:
''I am shocked and deeply grieved by the accident in Hyderabad'' - I am shocked at your concern.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy:
Expressed ''utter shock and anguish'' - What else could he express?
Soon after learning about the incident, Reddy visited the spot briefly and took stock of the situation - What a responsible person!
Later, he directed the officials concerned to immediately attend to the rescue of those who are still caught in the debris and trapped in vehicles - He could not have told them anything else, for God's sake!
He also directed them to deploy required cranes to remove the debris and shift the injured to nearby hospitals - He just doesn't talk. He also provides 'expert' solutions.
He directed the GHMC officials to oversee the clearance of debris - There is a shortage of manpower and another situation demands immediate attention!
Reddy said the injured would be provided free treatment in all hospitals - He is shelling money out from his 'own' pocket!
He said he would review the situation again on Monday morning - An example of how to follow-up. Learn from him.
State Governor Narayan Dutt Tiwari:
"I am deeply distressed and shocked at the tragic loss of life due to the collapse of Punjagutta Flyover Bridge under construction'' - As if the rest of the country is not!
Opposition leader and TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu:
Also visited the spot and blamed the government for ''not maintaining the quality'' of the flyover - A statement couldn't be generalized more. When the opportunity comes, pounce on it!
Don't the statements by the statesmen sound too obvious at the situation? It's not their fault either. The media that publishes such pieces should be thrashed. At the time of distress, these people run behind politicians asking them for their opinion as if it would do a great deal to the nation. And what else would a person say if asked how he felt about the disaster? Would he say "I am happy about it and am looking forward to encountering more in future??!!"
I am not trying to be cynical. Just felt that there are situations that demand better responses than this. Not in words, but by action. Wake up, people!
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