New Delhi : Crucifying democracy in Jammu Kashmir is now complete, with a funeral-chant-like collective pledge forced upon employees of public sector units in the State.
31 Oct will henceforth be observed as "National Unity Day"(Ekta Din", as two union territories Jammu Kashmir and Ladak comes into existence today. Incidentally, the day has been picked to coincide with birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhai Patel.
Union ministry issued notification to all PSUs, including banks, to mark the day with each govt employee swearing the pledge. The pledge, without referring to removal of Kashmir's special status enjoyed under Article 370, pays tribute to Sardar Vallabhai Patel and refers to country's security.
Pledges have traditionally been pronounced only in the name Gandhiji - father of the nation. Given the controversial nature of pledge, there is resentment across the population.
Criticism also centers around the fact that, Indira Gandhi's martyrdom on 31 October finds no mention in the handed-out pledge.
The pledge hubbub, without any prior debate or notice, is also viewed as distraction from real issues as country reels under heavy economic slowdown.
Public sector employees are now beginning to wonder if RSS, given its enthusiasm to imbibe Vallabhai Patel, will also come out with Deen Dayal and Savarkar day for imposing unique pledges.
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