Plight of social activists

The detention and subsequent release of eminent economist and 'right to food' activist Jean Dreze and two associates by the Jharkhand Police highlight the hurdles faced by social activists.

In this case, the episode also brought the spotlight on the tendency of local officials to interpret the Election Commission's Model Code of Conduct selectively. Even as complaints abound about code violation by political leaders, especially those aligned with the ruling alliance, the regulations can become a handy tool to stifle debate.

Local officials in Garhwa district of Jharkhand detained the three activists for about two hours in Bishnupura police station. They were released following an outcry that made itself heard over the din of electioneering.

The issue of whether they had been permitted to hold the meeting is now subsumed under the overall shabby treatment of the acclaimed economist, and the apparent propensity among administrators to take action against those critical of the government.

A case could well be made that the election season is precisely the time when issues concerning poverty, hunger, and the rights of the poorest get discussed. Impeding such discussions over what, at the most, is a technicality involving the model code, speaks volumes about the attitude of the local administrator towards social activists, even if they are internationally renowned.

B Bhavani, Ongole, AP