Should the Crusader Relent?
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 seat of power in the country today. Sonia Gandhi's mysterious absence further exacerbated the impasse. Her presence would have resulted in better coordination between the administrative and the core group which failed miserably during the crucial hours.
Following the slew of scams, there was a unanimous consensus that something substantial had to be done to contain the canker of corruption. But no one quite new how to proceed. The civil society camp harnessed this tangible sense of frustration and used this as a potential source of leverage to denounce the government. Following Anna's arrest, when the crowds swelled across the county, it was only a matter of time before a fast against corruption transformed into one of the defining stories in recent times.
But the Anna camp has done their bit. The next step should be an all inclusive debate where all versions of the bill are carefully vetted. Creating a behemoth independent institution which has the potential of eclipsing the nation state is not the solution. The final outcome should be well balanced. This will certainly take time and cannot be achieved overnight as the 'civil society' camp is demanding from the government. Hastening the process and holding the country hostage is only 'self defeating' in the long run.
There are many people, including me, who disapprove of the tenor of the movement, and the manner in which it is being spearheaded. Let aside the modalities of the Jan lokapl Bill. But it's important to underscore the fact that Anna Hazare, despite his headstrong ways, has filled a vacuum. Had this not been the case, the vacuum would have metastasized into something quite ugly. Now it seems as though this was the only way to get noticed.
Was the government wrong in incarcerating the crusader in the first place? Yes, they were. Was it unwise on the government's part to exclude the opposition members when their version of the bill was being framed? Of course. Is the Anna camp going overboard in demanding that they will not negotiate with any opposition members and only the ruling party. A veritable yes. It's a democracy for god sake and every parliamentarian should be consulted. Their exclusion, or ostracization in this case, is equivalent to muting the voices of the constituencies these party incumbents represent. At least in principle.
Let this movement be a democratic one where all concerned have their say. The Anna camp has assiduously worked towards resurrecting an age old issue, and put it on the national stage. But they have done their fair share of work. Leave the rest to our accomplished law makers and the national parliament.
Ishaan Saxena is New Delhi based political commentator.
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 seat of power in the country today. Sonia Gandhi's mysterious absence further exacerbated the impasse. Her presence would have resulted in better coordination between the administrative and the core group which failed miserably during the crucial hours.
Following the slew of scams, there was a unanimous consensus that something substantial had to be done to contain the canker of corruption. But no one quite new how to proceed. The civil society camp harnessed this tangible sense of frustration and used this as a potential source of leverage to denounce the government. Following Anna's arrest, when the crowds swelled across the county, it was only a matter of time before a fast against corruption transformed into one of the defining stories in recent times.
But the Anna camp has done their bit. The next step should be an all inclusive debate where all versions of the bill are carefully vetted. Creating a behemoth independent institution which has the potential of eclipsing the nation state is not the solution. The final outcome should be well balanced. This will certainly take time and cannot be achieved overnight as the 'civil society' camp is demanding from the government. Hastening the process and holding the country hostage is only 'self defeating' in the long run.
There are many people, including me, who disapprove of the tenor of the movement, and the manner in which it is being spearheaded. Let aside the modalities of the Jan lokapl Bill. But it's important to underscore the fact that Anna Hazare, despite his headstrong ways, has filled a vacuum. Had this not been the case, the vacuum would have metastasized into something quite ugly. Now it seems as though this was the only way to get noticed.
Was the government wrong in incarcerating the crusader in the first place? Yes, they were. Was it unwise on the government's part to exclude the opposition members when their version of the bill was being framed? Of course. Is the Anna camp going overboard in demanding that they will not negotiate with any opposition members and only the ruling party. A veritable yes. It's a democracy for god sake and every parliamentarian should be consulted. Their exclusion, or ostracization in this case, is equivalent to muting the voices of the constituencies these party incumbents represent. At least in principle.
Let this movement be a democratic one where all concerned have their say. The Anna camp has assiduously worked towards resurrecting an age old issue, and put it on the national stage. But they have done their fair share of work. Leave the rest to our accomplished law makers and the national parliament.
Ishaan Saxena is New Delhi based political commentator.
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