There has been a controversy about Sunny Deol’s announcing a representative for him for his Gurdaspur parliamentary constituency. This was rightly criticized by citizens, social media and the mainstream media. The concept of a proxy is completely unacceptable. Elected representatives are expected to liaise closely with their constituents so that they become accountable to them and are able to relate with them and share their joys and sorrows. This was an unfortunate statement.

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However, in a true reflection of what democracy represents the intense criticism has led to a clarification from the new MP clarifying that he was not transferring the responsibility but had merely announced that his Personal Assistant would represent him whenever he was not in the constituency. He has also clarified that this would happen when he was away for work or in Parliament. We presume that the work would be related to his duties as a representative for Gurdaspur. It also implies that he would take his attendance and work in Parliament seriously. This is what a good MP should do. Citizens and media will be watching Mr. Deol.

(Shailesh Gandhi is an RTI activist and former Central Information Commissioner. The views and opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts, analysis, assumptions and perspective appearing in the article do not reflect the views of Republic TV/ Republic World/ ARG Outlier Media Pvt. Ltd.)