Hit by ‘viral’ attack

It’s quite common to see a lot of attacks and counter-attacks by parties during elections. And, party leaders hold press conferences far too regularly.

In one such press conference, BJP leader L K Advani compared a hung assembly to a ‘virus’ that affects the entire computer.

Therefore, a hung assembly is like a virus that affects the democratic system, said Advani who felt Congress and JD(S) were hoping for such a result.

The next day, it was the turn of CPM Politburo member Brinda Karat to take a swipe at Advani's ‘viral” comment, describing BJP as a “big virus” in Indian democracy “using religion to garner votes”.

One has to wait and see who gets what after the elections. But as always, the electorate are the ones who end up getting a ‘viral’ infection after polls!

Anantha Subramanyam K.

A ‘right’ misuse

A private hospital was in the news during its launch of ‘ambulance hotline’ services. Praveen Sood, Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic and Security), the chief guest, used the occasion to highlight misuse of the facility.

“It is common knowledge that ambulances get stuck in traffic snarls, not to mention the ignorance of motorists who deny the ‘right of way’ to save a valuable life.

This too can be misused, he said and narrated an instance in which an empty ambulance was stopped by a policeman who found the vehicle - which had no patient - speeding. “This won’t do.

Credibility of the service is at stake. Do advise your drivers to adhere to regulations,” Sood said.
Well, we now have ambulances joining the long list of vehicles belonging to police, netas, babus and sometimes, even journalists, using their clout to get away from traffic jams.

By S Praveen Dhaneshkar