I liked this particular line (at the same time, let me say the entire article is superb) and have seen a direct evidence of it in a district of Karnataka in my school days. Mr. Tarun Vijay mentions - "The best way to protect your illegal slum colony and get into the voters list is to name it after the Nehru clan. No one would dare to touch it, ever. It becomes instantly sanctified and a national heritage. It's true of Delhi, Mumbai and other metros."
In Gulbarga, a district in North Karnataka, of Congress stalwarts Dharam Singh and Mallikarjun Kharge, our school (NV School) has a huge play ground. This incident happened between 1979-82 - overnight 100s of huts were setup in our school ground and the politicians wanted to setup a slum and take over that ground. The students protested, resorted to direct action (did not hurt any person physically) and ensured that the effort of politicians did not succeed in gobbling up the school ground. The school ground was thus saved for the children to use.
We had seen slums being built in some other areas too, and which became permanent settlements. The politicians made them their vote bank, by bringing people from other places, and made them live in wretched conditions. The name of the area 'Indira Nagar'!. No one could reclaim any such plot once it got christened in this manner.
Thank you, Mr. Vijay Tarun, for an insightful article. Hope Mr. Fali Nariman reads it, or is sent a copy of it be post or email.
