Facets of agitation against corruption

While I endorse the movement against corruption wholeheartedly I condemn the celebrations if there were any. A victory is achieved only when there is a vanquished. At the end of what was a magnificent manifestation of democracy under the guidance of veteran Anna Hazare, there really is no victor or vanquished. Moreover celebrations are to unwind and it is too early to unwind in this movement against corruption. If at all anything, we need to maintain the intensity of pressure. This is going to be one hell of a battle. A battle without an enemy…a battle to cleanse the system.

The response to a clarion call from Anna has been stupendous considering it was a peaceful agitation. The overwhelming support on ground, on the net and in the media can be attributed to three main reasons. 1)  The bugle was sounded by an apolitical leader supported by apolitical organisations and individuals. 2) The cause (eradicate corruption) is a subject close to every Indian’s heart. Anger against corruption was growing in leaps and bounds without a release valve somewhere. Suddenly there was Anna, a successful agitator and social activist showing he way. 3) Good communication systems such as mobile telephony and the Net. Here was a cause no one could turn away from. Understandably the press also played its part positively.

I was at the Freedom Park in Bangalore for half a day on April 6, 2011. Let me assure you I did not see a mob there. I saw people. I saw Indians, each of whom knew why they were there.  There was none of the whipped up frenzy or desire to destruct. It has been demonstrated that under responsible leadership without vested interests and high rise walls to hide behind, the people of India who own the constitution (To recall, the preamble to our constitution starts thus … “We the people of India…..”) can come together with equanimity and poise for a just cause. This is refreshing, heartening and above all reassuring.

In this instance, it suited the Government of the day to be supportive.  With all the scams and corrupt practices taking centre stage they were on a burning deck with unfathomable sea all around. Suddenly there appeared a tiny boat – Anna’s movement. Manna from heaven. The Lokpal bill if passed, the credit will go to the congress party; if stalled the discredit will go to the opposition. Either way, for the next general elections lokpal bill will be the kavach (armour) behind which the UPA will go to the hustings – 2G, CWG, CVC and all other alphabets will be long forgotten…at least that is what the congress party reckons now!!!!! Unfortunately it is a fait accompli if it so happens.
Even then, the people’s power in our democracy, other than at the ballot, has stamped its presence. Power to the people has been established…

Having said that, being in a democratic system there were detractors. Detractions are welcome as they also help to clear the air.  One voice was that people can not legislate as it is the prerogative of the elected representatives. But what do we do when the interests of legislators which are contradictory to those of the people, are involved in a proposed legislation? There is a flaw in the way our representatives are elected. Tickets (party’s OK to be its candidate from a specific constituency) are distributed to candidates on the basis of their winnability rather than on competence or a party’s principles. Else how do we explain convicts and accused in the august house. A voter’s choice is like “take it or leave it”. (As an aside…One of the demands of Anna and many of us is to have a ‘none of the above’ column in the ballot paper – or machine. Where the ‘winner’ is ‘none of the above’, fresh candidates are fielded for a fresh round of elections. This is repeated until a candidate is elected.) Such elected representatives who are criminals, convicts and under-trials, obviously have no stake in the lokpal bill. But now the parliament probably has no choice but to pass it. The committee is only recommending a draft. The actual legislation is enacted by the parliament. In the case of the lokpal bill this has been the masterstroke by the people led by Anna that the legislators have now to take a positive interest.

Another point was regarding setting precedence.  To them I appeal not to consider the people of India as fools. We will never see an uprising as this one for any cause with lesser severity to National pride and well being than corruption.  Do not liken these gatherings of the past few days to be mobs. What do we do when we see a Raja or a Rani amassing wealth; what do you expect we do when we see their opulent life styles?  Do you expect us to believe they will legislate for our welfare? To them I say rest easy, we Indians are responsible or else blood would have flooded the streets long ago.
Somebody called this blackmail. This is no more blackmail than when the opposition stalled the house proceedings telling the Government “If no JPC then house will not function…” or actions to that effect! Well, do you expect that I keep quiet when my house is being looted?
And then, what is the Constitution of India? There have been 94 amendments to the constitution in the last 61 years. One more (or many more) for the good of the people will do no harm. Any system has to continually improve. We need to respect the freedom and equality provided for in the constitution above methods and practices.

Will the lokpal bill prevent corrupt practices? A million rupee question. For the moment the bill is not as material as the awakening.