The newspapers these days have been hounded by reports of austerity by our beloved politicians. Whether its moving out of 5-star hotels or traveling by economy class. Austerity seems to be the word of the day. I am quite surprised that after years of democracy, austerity seems to have been a recently added word in their dictionary. Now I believe recession has truly set in. Austerity has nothing to do with feelings towards the people, or empathizing, but with cost cutting. Probably they'd like to spend a little less from the government coffers so that they can fill their pockets for a rainy day. Maybe, quite maybe.
Imagine if everyone from politicians to actors to business tycoons decide to travel economy class. I am sure it would definitely be renamed to cattle class but definitely the high end ones and prices of which the common man could never afford. I am sure Mr. Tharoor would be grinning.
Imagine yourself sharing a seat with Mukesh Ambani in a train from Virar to CST. You'd probably be short of conversation, only stumped. Or what if the finance minister decides to dine at your favourite roadside gaddo, you better have a list of grievances ready. Or just maybe you are given a lift home by Daddy Cool, Saif Ali Khan on a Bajaj Scooter. I am sure you'd be holding him tight.
I'm not against austerity, but definitely against it alongside publicity. Guess the media hounds have nothing better to report.
What about the cattle class remarks, you may ask? Oh come on, for those who've traveled in airplanes, no one would disagree to Mr. Tharoor's remarks. In fact, the private buses plying in Goa are no different. If your railway ministers having a waiting tickets issued, which allows you to travel, obviously you'd be herded in as cattle in a train as well. Go Mr. Tharoor go, cattle class is definitely in.
