The Irony of Parliamentary Oaths for "Anti-National Figures'... Will they mend their ways once They take an Oath as MP in our Parliament.

Today marks a peculiar day in Indian politics as two individuals with anti-national backgrounds are set to take their parliamentary oaths.

This irony lies in the fact that while inmates cannot exercise their voting rights, they can still contest elections.

Leveraging this provision, Amrit Pal Singh, a Khalistan supporter, contested from the Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha seat in Punjab and won by a significant margin.

Similarly, Sheikh Abdul Rashid, also known as Engineer Rashid, a Pakistani sympathizer imprisoned for terror funding, defeated former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to secure a win. Both individuals are now being granted special parole to take their oaths as MPs.

Amrit Pal Singh, apart from supporting Khalistan, faces serious charges for aiding in the escape of a kidnapping suspect from police custody.

Rashid is accused of significant support for terrorist activities. Amrit Pal Singh, detained under the National Security Act (NSA) in Dibrugarh Jail, Assam, is being specially transported to Delhi for his oath-taking ceremony.

The argument presented in defense is that in a democracy, contesting elections is a fundamental right, and a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

However, my view is that the NSA is applied to individuals posing a threat to national security.

If such individuals are legally allowed to become MPs, this law requires reevaluation.

There is also a contradiction in the provision that while an inmate cannot vote, they can contest elections.

In my opinion, both individuals taking the oath today are anti-national and have challenged the sovereignty of the country.

Another crucial point for consideration is that under the NSA, an accused can be detained without trial, so how will such a person be punished?

This law needs necessary amendments and should be made stricter, as it is not intended for loyal citizens but to deal with traitors.

Addressing this issue cannot end merely with changing the law because it is not just about them becoming MPs.

It is also about the mindset of the voters who, by giving them millions of votes, ensured their victory.

We must review the mentality of these voters and launch campaigns to change their mindset.

(Mohinder Nath Sofat is a Social media commentator. His views are his own)

(This article addresses the paradox of allowing individuals with serious charges to become Members of Parliament, highlighting the need for legal reforms and societal mindset changes)