In an unprecedented and historic event yesterday, Mr. Harishchandra Raja, re-elected member of parliament, who was slated to be sworn in as union cabinet minister, refused to join the cabinet citing tough and a very difficult-to-keep oath of office.
"I knew that like everyone else I could have simply read the oaths of office and secrecy, signed on the dotted line and become a minister of cabinet, but I also realized that I might not be able to fulfill the obligations required by the oath." said the third time member of parliament from Satyalok constituency.
"Would I always have the courage to refuse minor political favors asked from me by my faithful partymen? Would I be able to always say no to my friends, neighbors and relatives when they ask out of turn favors from me?"
"I realized that the oath of secrecy would be even more difficult to maintain. Considering my jovial and talkative nature, I wondered how I would be able to resist temptation of chatting about official matters brought under my consideration as a minister to my wife, kids, friends or fellow party-men? How would I succeed in keeping my mouth shut for five long years about the wheelings and dealings in my ministry without pissing off everyone who is close to me?"
"I admit I am very disappointed at not becoming a union minister, but the oath of office that I needed to take is a constitutional requirement for a reason and if I'm not sure whether I will be able to discharge my duties with as much honesty as required by the oath, I've no business taking the oath" added Mr. Raja.
Harishchandra Raja applauded the honesty and moral uprightness of all the other 19 members who were sworn in as ministers by President Pratibha Patil. "I wish I had as much belief and conviction in my own integrity and honesty as the rest of PM's team. But clearly I do not have as much faith in myself and hence I do not deserve a place in the union cabinet of ministers" said Mr. Raja with a sigh.
