A tale of two ministers

We live in strange and occasionally heartening times.

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It is not often that two ministers holding the same portfolio-sports-either resign or are forced to step aside within a day of each other. Yet that is precisely what unfolded with the divestment of Manikrao Kokate in Maharashtra and the voluntary resignation of Aroop Biswas in West Bengal. In an era when political accountability is more often promised than practised, the near-simultaneous exits have turned the spotlight on parties that appear to have discovered their consciences just in time for impending elections. Whether these ministers were nudged, pushed or cornered by circumstances is almost beside the point. The developments deserve cautious applause, tempered by the reminder that one or two sparrows do not make a summer. We count our blessings-and keep our fingers firmly crossed.