In the United States, it’s always been seen as a good thing if someone who is running for public office is married and has a family. Family men and women are portrayed as having certain values, are seen as more in touch with their constituents- and are perceived as somehow more reliable and trustworthy than their unmarried counterparts.
How curious that Narendra Modi, a candidate for the post of India’s prime minister is now using his “bachelor” status as an edge in his run for office. Apparently he was once in a brief arranged marriage that he left rather quickly due to his desire at the time to move towards a more spiritual calling. The marriage was never legally terminated, but they have lived apart and Mr. Modi claims he has lived a life of celibacy.
According to the aspiring prime minister, men practice corruption to benefit their wives and family and since he has none, he has no reason to do so. Hummm, interesting concept to consider. He emphasizes that he can give his all to his job with no conflicts or other priorities pulling him away and leading him to behave in ways that are good for him but not those who elected him.
This sounds a bit like the Catholic Church claiming that married priests would not be able to do their job as effectively or be completely available to their flocks. Yes, there is truth to this- anyone who is married and has a family gets it. All that energy, time, focus and yes, money that is needed to have and maintain a family is a major distraction to say the least. But does that necessarily lead to corruption and other bad behavior or is it true that it’s not possible to “serve two masters?”
I do see one glaring flaw in Mr. Modi’s logic. He IS married, yet left his wife who has remained alone and in limbo all these years. Essentially her life and future were put on hold by him so he could pursue a life he wanted. Maybe it’s just me, but I see this as a complete betrayal at worst- and a selfish and dishonorable act as best. Why did he go through with the marriage in the first place? Why didn’t he opt for a quiet divorce years ago? Trustworthy may be in the eye of the beholder here- I wonder what his wife would say?
