Austerity Must Come From Within, But Hypocrisy Has Its Uses

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Hypocrisy has a place in public life. It is also known as political correctness. Joining politics and becoming an MP at the first opportunity might seem like a brilliant career move for some, one more feather in an already many-feathered cap. But they must learn to abide by codes of behaviour that are deemed acceptable. Living in five-star hotels, even of you foot the bill yourself, does not seem optically correct. It mocks the poverty of our people. It would be good if the austerity came from within. But I am prepared to settle for the virtual thing. Two years ago Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told industry leaders to be restrained in the remuneration they give themselves and their senior executives. "The electronic media carries the lifestyles of the rich and famous into every village and every slum. Media often highlights the vulgar display of their....