Delhi Guardian

As the obstinate anti corruption crusader enters the 12th day of fasting, the parliament is actively debating the specifics of the Jan Lokpal Bill. Inter party differences are bound to exist but there seems to be a general consensus that the anti corruption crusader must end his fast. Anna Hazare has managed to bridge the chasm between the government and the citizens of this country. But it's important to reiterate that he is only a catalyst in the movement, and does not represent the end itself. The nation was terribly dissatisfied with the blue turbaned, reticent, and pusillanimous stopgap prime minster. There was a profound sense of alienation we all endured. Our 'prime minister' refused to address the country at large and only chose to speak to the individuals who belong to a clique. His failure to take stringent action against the corrupt or looking askance at the shocking developments have reaffirmed what many believed. 10 Janpath and not 7 Race Course is the ...

At the risk of heresy, let me say this in the very beginning- I am not with team Anna. I am a bitter critic of the UPA government, but it would be erroneous to join the so called 'civil society' camp and point fingers at the government for all our collective problems. That would also mean that the middle class is clean and has not encouraged the culture of corruption. This is clearly not the case. Fasting for a cause is unthinkable in any other modern day democracy. What is stopping people from different castes from pouring into the national capital and fasting untill their demands are met? Since when did they start framing laws in fasting grounds and not the hallowed walls of the national parliament?  If someone chooses to fast untill death, well, then let them and don't cringe. There is an established system to tackle problems. What is taking place in the streets of New Delhi and other cities in the country (mind you not smaller towns or rural India) is not a sy...

Dear Mr. Chidambaram,  This letter is addressed to you instead of the Prime Minister for two reasons. First, he is terribly busy these days and I don’t want to burden him any further. We all know he is devoting his time an effort to improve the image of the government.The cabinet reshuffle, where the ministers were shuffled like a deck of cards, and daily scams are already enough to reckon with.  Second, I doubt he is any mood to communicate with the country. Choosing to speak to a select few news editors behind closed doors, and not the country at large which is what any responsible leader on a relentless mission to salvage the image of his government would have done, has sent a distressing message to most folks.  Our anti-social PM could not care less. So this is addressed to you. A perspicacious leader I have profound respect for.  These days, we’ve become cynical people. From inflation, rampant corruption, an inept PM, the all pervasive threat of...