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Not again. Now it is Sonia Gandhi’s turn to be hauled up by the Election Commission, to answer for her acceptance of Belgium’s second-highest civilian honour. Gandhi was declared “Grand Officer of the Order of Leopold” during her 2006 visit, and this outraged P. Rajan from Kochi, Kerala, who was convinced that she had undermined her loyalty to India. He also quoted chapter and verse of the Constitution, which allows the disqualification of any member of Parliament who is “under any acknowledgment of allegiance or adherence to a foreign state”.
The Belgian honour, ironically enough, lauded Gandhi for her “constructive nationalism” and her efforts to foster a multicultural, tolerant society in India. But leave alone the matter of Sonia Gandhi being dragged over the coals again to prove her commitment to this country. The Order of Leopold has been previously awarded to people like the American World War II general, George Patton, former American President Dwight Eisenhower and Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito — all redoubtable pillars of their own nations. Who would have thought of questioning their allegiance! On the flip side, India has awarded the Bharat Ratna to Nelson Mandela and it would be laughable to think this means he has switched his loyalties over from South Africa to us. And it does appear ludicrous here in India that at the time many South Africans thought Mandela should refuse the honour.
Unfortunately, our national sense of self is still fragile, fixated on banners and anthems, permanently embattled. But why are we so insecure about little Belgium’s baubles? They can’t even claim ownership of their home-grown potato chips (French fries to the rest of us). This is a country coming apart at the seams, between the Flemish and French-speaking bits of an already minuscule place. If the slide continues, there might not be a Belgium left to exert evil power over Sonia Gandhi. Come on. We can afford to be big about this.
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