Kalyara (Shahpur, Kangra) (S Gopal Puri)
First-time MLA Kewal Singh Pathania talked about democratic accountability and humility during a function at the Higher Secondary School at Kalyara in Shahpur constituency of Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh.
Addressing a gathering, Pathania emphasised that politicians who made people wait for hours at public events commited a grave injustice to the democratic ethos of the nation.
“Once elected, expecting people to chase their representatives for five years is a crime in a democratic setup,” said Pathania, striking a chord with the audience. He arrived at the event at 9.30 am, well ahead of the scheduled time of 11 am, interacted with students and brought their concerns to the forefront during his speech.
Glimpse into students’ lives
Pathania’s early arrival allowed him to engage meaningfully with students and understand their struggles.
“There are 22 students here and I spoke with them. Nine of them have fathers who work as painters, seven have parents running food stalls, five are children of drivers and two lost their fathers at an early age,” he said from the stage.
Pathania urged teachers to foster closer interactions with students to address their emotional and educational needs effectively.
Thanks farmers, OBC community
In an acknowledgment of the voters, particularly from the OBC category, Pathania expressed his gratitude. “Analysts often said it would be tough to secure votes in this region. But the people here have placed their faith in me and I will work tirelessly for this constituency because it is my responsibility,” he said.
This is the constitutional principle of equality where representatives are bound by their duty to serve all sections of society, transcending caste, creed and economic status.
Political principles with a Virbhadra legacy
Often seen as a protege of former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, Kewal Pathania appears to embody the late leader’s style of politics for connecting with the masses.
His speech reflected a mature understanding of the political principles laid out in the Constitution, particularly Article 38, which directs the State to minimise inequalities in income and endeavour to eliminate inequalities in status, facilities and opportunities.
Pathania’s approach is also a hint towards the Gandhian principle of serving the last man in the queue. He raised the concerns of marginalised sections and showing empathy towards the students’ struggles.
