Asset Declaration

#Asset Declaration

As the electoral season unfolds, the ritual of asset declaration by candidates has once again taken centre stage. Yet, it often seems to resemble a theatrical performance more than a genuine display of transparency. Take, for instance, the case of Dr. Thomas Isaac, the LDF candidate from Pathanamthitta, whose recent declaration raised more eyebrows than it did shed light on his financial standing.

In a bizarre twist of fate, Dr. Isaac's declaration painted a picture of financial destitution, with no land, no house, and no gold to his name, but rather an impressive collection of 20,000 books. While his scholarly pursuits are commendable, one cannot help but wonder about the glaring omissions in his declaration. What about the conspicuous absence of his colorful kurthas, or the substantial earnings accrued during his tenure as a teacher at CDS, and his multiple stints as an MLA and Finance Minister in Kerala? The absurdity of the situation begs the question: how can a seasoned politician like Dr. Isaac suddenly find himself on the brink of bankruptcy? 

In an age where optics often overshadow substance, the charade of asset declaration serves as a sobering reminder of the disconnect between political rhetoric and reality. It's high time we move beyond the theatrics and demand genuine transparency from our elected representatives.

-K A Solaman