I pity our politicians because they aren’t respected as much as they ought to be. Yes, their supporters plaster our streets with photographs wishing them a happy birthday every other fortnight, but that is a rather trivial sign of respect. I believe it is only by shutting the city down whenever someone from Delhi visits us that we can truly appreciate their presence and acknowledge the sacrifices they make by representing us in Parliament.

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It isn’t easy to spend a few hours of one’s day listening to other politicians, thumping one’s palms on desks, and issuing statements to the press. It may not sound like a full-time job to most of us, but we fail to remember that a majority of politicians are barely literate and can’t do much more. It is discriminatory for us literate folk to expect someone with a dubious degree in, say, Entire Political Science, to do anything constructive. It isn’t easy to forego homecooked meals for canteen fare every week either, even though these meals are heavily subsidised. It isn’t easy to spend one’s days doing nothing, while making it look as if one is doing something genuinely important. It can take a significant toll on a person, which is why I am always angry when someone disparages our politicians. It is no coincidence that almost no one in Parliament looks healthy or presentable before a camera. If you were to do what they did all the time, you would look drawn and haggard too.

We need to remind ourselves that the Prime Minister could have been anywhere that day, holding an election rally in a smaller city perhaps, but chose to be in Bombay instead. He blessed us with his presence and deserves our gratitude. Naysayers were also upset about the large cut-outs and banners featuring his visage at every nook and corner, but I was happy because we simply don’t see his face enough. I couldn’t recall what he looked like until I saw those banners waving on the Western Express Highway. There was even a large cut-out outside a place of worship, signifying how politicians are often more deserving of respect than our gods and goddesses.

I propose a state holiday the next time someone from Delhi stops by to inaugurate a new bridge or something. Offices and schools should be closed, and we should all be encouraged to bring our children out onto the streets and wave as our politicians drive past. Hospitals should postpone surgeries so doctors and nurses can show their appreciation. After all, they are almost never allowed to participate in public life given the distraction of patients on life support.

We should count our blessings instead of focusing on problems. After all, if we didn’t have our politicians, would we be the world’s most amazing country today? I think not. It’s why I hope the government of Maharashtra does more to honour politicians from Delhi in the future. Maybe even rename our city after one of them?

When he isn’t ranting about all things Mumbai, Lindsay Pereira can be almost sweet. He tweets @lindsaypereira
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