People elect MLAs and MPs to make laws, not to break them. Moreover, the elected representatives of the people are supposed to be engaged in such activities which improve the socio-economic conditions of the people, contribute towards peace and harmony, and strengthen the sovereignty, integrity and security of the country. But what has been increasingly observed is that a section of elected representatives has been engaged in acts that are not only contrary to what they are supposed to do, but also intended at creating disharmony and tension in society. Every time the nation or a state goes to the election, people get to read reports of how an increasing number of persons with criminal backgrounds enter politics, and through elections enter Parliament and the State Legislatures. According to one study, around 39 per cent of Members of Parliament are facing criminal charges. And these people are called lawmakers. A study attributed to Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and released in May this year had said that thirty-four of the 126 newly-elected MLAs of Assam have criminal cases against them, and twelve of them are from the Congress party. Besides having criminal cases, a number of elected members are also often seen making hate speeches across the country. While some of them make such speeches with the intention of getting media attention, some others appear to be clear in their intention of spreading communal hatred in the society and dividing the people with ulterior motives. The latest act of an elected representative of Assam clearly appears to be belonging to the second category. The MLA was arrested on Friday for making highly offensive remarks against some martyrs of the Assam agitation. While the ruling BJP and AGP have accused him of trying to destroy peace and harmony, the AASU has lambasted him for dishonouring the martyrs of the Assam agitation. The Congress – his own party – has also accused him of giving statements in media and in public forums with communal overtones having a great propensity to destroy the social harmony of our state. It is very unfortunate that such people get prominence in public life, are given tickets by political parties and even manage to win elections.