In last two years Anna Hazare and Baba Ramdev movements rocked the country and stirred conscience
of the entire nation by storm. I followed both to the fullest; initially with skepticism but later with overwhelming emotion and
optimism. Intellectuals and statisticians often talk about Jai Prakash
Movement, its contribution, success and collapse. But I am not
going to touch on this or any other statistical data. I am trying to put
across the entire movement from a commoner perspective and not from some analytic scholar's viewpoint. Anna &
Ramdev movements sow seeds of hope and possibility in the weakest and
destitute of
the society who have been at receiving end of the indifferent and lethargic system under patron-ship of greedy and opportunist political system. At the same time, both movements, equally managed to send shivers down the deep rooted corruption
empire. However hard govt and its allies in media try to put on a brave face and trounce these movements, the fact remains that political landscape has changed forever and its impact would be visible in coming election years for sure.
My colleague and I often used to discuss the way country in going downhill and the indifferent and opportunist political and bureaucratic system clearly abetting corruption at all levels. We often used to say "is desh ka kuch nahin ho sakta" and I am sure there are thousands who had the same perspective (some may still think the same). In a sense like many other, I too had resigned to the fate and accepted corruption as necessary evil in India. Regardless of your morality and honesty, you can't live without it and you can't escape it so rather accept it as part of life. We often used to joke that if self aggrandizement is the goal then education, professional know-how etc hardly matters and are just waste of time and money. Rather politics is the easiest way of achieving everything and beyond; not only for yourself but for all your kin for generations to come. Before April 2011, I knew a little about Anna Hazare. Just had a idea that he is a social worker and has done wonders in his village. In comparison Baba Ramdev had built up an image of yoga guru quite early. His outburst against black money is not new. He had been advocating on bringing black money for years now.
Anna's movement is attributed for bringing corruption agenda at the national level and forcing establishment to take note of the strong public resentment against this malpractice. The strength of Anna's movement is the strong core group comprising of people with credible past and contribution to the society. Prashant Bhushan, Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Shishodia, Kumar Vishwas etc are now household names. Govt too has very knowledgeable and capable professionals at their end but there is a difference between a goal driven volunteers of a civil group and the govt's team working to weaken the civil movements. People who volunteer are much motivated and willing to sacrifice than someone who is asked to tow lines of their political masters. What Anna and team is asking is quite logical and govt should have given this to nation a long time back. But by bringing its own version of crippled and lame lokpal bill, they are trying to do an eye-wash. Some intellectuals and editors say that let govt pass their version of lokpal bill and it can be amended later. But I agree with Kejriwal and others when they say that it would only help in increasing the corruption and not reduce it. First time govt is offering lawyers to people charged under corruption! Amazing! And also, several important laws are waiting for suitable attention for ages but govt is not acting on them like police reforms, women reservation etc. I have sincere doubt that once lokpal bill is passed, there would only be attempts to weaken it rather than making it strong. Take example of RTI act. Govt has been trying to dilute it as it has proven to be a credible tool for unearthing the rot in the system.
A vicious campaign was launched against Team Anna to malign their credibility and standing in society so that they loose massive public support that they enjoy. Some say that Team Anna members are corrupt. To them I would reply that congress led govt is not benevolent or spiritual to let go any opportunity to tarnish them or loop them in legal ways. If they are guilty then govt would have launched everything under its control (except BSF) to annihilate the movement. Also, for a noble anti-corruption cause, people should even support Phoolan Devi let alone Anna Hazare who enjoys pristine image & social credentials. To those who are against some individuals in Team Anna, I would say that look at the cause and not the person. Even the most corrupt in Indian has every right to ask elected govt to give him/her corruption free and credible political and bureaucratic system. Govt cannot possibly say that you are corrupt so you do not have any right to ask for a clean system. By virtue of mandate given by public to elected govt, they have moral obligation to provide a corruption devoid system to the nation.
Last year Anna's 12 day fast in August had a tremendous impact. The political class felt threatened that if people realize their power and it may spell doomsday for several political giants. To uneasiness of many in influential positions, the common man has now started saying "is desh ka kuch to ho sakta hai". To hold on to the propagate the unfounded belief in public that elected representatives are unquestionable, some MPs cleverly linked their reputation with parliament's reputation. They say that parliament is like a temple. Right ... it sure is. But people should very well keep a check on priests in template that may have turned corrupt and wicked. Those who do not deserve to be in parliament must be questioned and made to answer difficult questions. Arvind Kerjiwal was right in saying that some of the people who are not even fit to apply for the post of peon are now sitting in parliament taking decisions on important bills.
In July 2012, Anna sat on anshan at Jantar Mantar. I was there on very first day at 8:30 AM. Anna's movement had been branded as a middle class movement which does not carry sentiments of other classes of the society. This time I saw several people from villages with their bags and sacks. A good number of rural women were in the crowd. On first day number of people was a little low till 3:00 PM or so. Being a working day that was quite expected and it is quite normal for an Anshan to take sometime to reach the pinnacle. I subsequently visited Jantar Mantar on Saturday (28 July) and Sunday (29 July) too.
Taking lessons from previous anshans and the kind of support that it got from media, govt was well prepared this time. The effect was clearly visible on the kind of news being flashed and the visuals that accompanied. Since I had been to Jantar Mantar myself I could clearly see the discrepancy in reporting. Some channels were running footage taken in the morning (when crowd was less) throughout the day and claiming that this time the anshan is flop. The worst part was, when Ramdev along with his followers joined Anna Hazare at Jantar Mantar, all of a sudden these channels who had been looping the morning footage since then went live and claimed that Ramdev saved the day for Anna. On weekends Jantar Mantar was burgeoning with people and media had to drop that line.
Media kept counting heads at Jantar Mantar! I was wondering what is required to convince the media? Shall we put an attendance register at Jantar Mantar entrerance and share the count with media every evening? Then there was another news headline ... equally amusing "People are at Jantar Mantar on weekends but let's see if Team Anna has the same support on weekdays too". In a sense, media was saying that people who supported Anna on Saturday and Sunday may not do so on weekdays! By the logic, this corrupt govt, which is loosing people's support with each passing hour, should ideally prove its majority everytime it steps into the parliament. Isn't it? From my family, my brother and I visited Jantar Mantar to show solidarity with the movement. My wife, parents and my kids did not come to Jantar Mantar but it certainly does not mean that they do not support Anna Hazare. For every person who was physically present at anshan at Jantar Mantar or any other part of the country, there were a few others in his family who could not join him. As Anupam Kher wisely put "People who do not goto temple, does not mean that they have no faith in God"
Baba Ramdev has been vocal about black money for some years now and is consistently lobbying for brining black money. Buoyed by the immense public response to Anna Hazare's movement in August 2011, it was quite logical for Ramdev to show that he too enjoyed enormous public support for this national cause. So, in June 2011 he sat on Anshan. But he made a few mistakes which was exploited to the hilt by congress govt. Remember smiling Kapil Sibbbal flashing the letter of understanding signed by Balkrishna in news conference. Ramdev perhaps made the biggest mistake of his life immediately afterwards when instead of courting arrest on Ramlila stage, he chose to unsuccessfully flee in woman's dress. Later Ramdev claimed that it was a conspiracy to kill him on the stage, which was kind of hard to digest. Given that there was an army of news cameramen, govt could not have been stupid to do something like this on national TV. Looking back now, I am sure Ramdev would be regretting this decision rest of his life. In total contrast, Anna played the similar situation perfectly to his advantage when police put him in Tihar Jail. He refused to leave Tihar and under immense public pressure the red faced govt had to go down on its knees with folded hands.
People have been talking about closeness of Ramdev with RSS and BJP for quite some time. But in Aug 2012 when Ramdev went on agitation and resolute governement did not even responded to his calls on bringing black money back, he unleashed his game-plan. Unlike Team Anna, which is critical of not only congress but also all other parties, Ramdev invited opposition to his stage and gave call for defeating congress in next elections. Interestingly and questionably, Ramdev also invited Mulayam Singh and Mayawati to join him in fight against congress. As per him, congress is the biggest corrupt party and its removal is necessary in country's interest. But Ramdev has not given any roadmap how his political allies help him in bringing black money home. Are they going to declare black money national asset, which congress has not done? What is the roadmap for bringing black money? Those are the questions that need to be answered.
There has been a stark difference between Team Anna and Ramdev's movments. Team Anna is pushing for a total system change and they do not think that change ruling party is going to make much different as all party's have shady background; whereas Ramdev is targetting dethroning congress in next general elections. Team Anna is quite focused on attacking tainted MPs and even publically read out corruption charges against them whereas Ramdev is against it. In my opinion, you respect a person who deserves that and be critical of those who are bringing disrepute to constitutional portfolio and profile. Under the circumstances when scams are pouring like anything, it is important the voters are aware of the truth so that they may take the right decision when time comes. Strangely Ramdev met and sought support on black money from political heavy-weights who themselves are suspected of amassing black money. Team Anna has successfully managed to connect with the vast middle class, youth and educated professionals whereas Ramdev has his own followers who mainly connected to him through yoga. Visit their movements and you can clearly see the difference in the crowd.
Team Anna has lokpal clearly marked as their first goal and they have well defined startegy for that too. When govt did not yield a dime after latest anshan, Team Anna decided to go political which some may find quite controversial. Team Anna is not going to back any political party but is going to float one of its own. This is quite daring and may have its own consequence but the time was ripe for it. With 2014 elections not far off and middle class support still with them, they may throw some surprise in political arena, which could turn good for the politically battered public. Ramdev's associated with BJP and RSS has always made Team Anna uncomfortable and therefore it is wise to keep the two movements running in parallel as their ideology is quite different. Ideally, with Team Anna about to go public with further details on its political party in coming days, Ramdev should support them in 2014 elections. But like many, I too think that Ramdev is playing in hands of BJP primarily and would only benefit him, which ultimately would be a sad thing. After all BJP too has its own set of corruption scandals. Illegal mining in Karnataka and Yedurappa's arm twisting is not hidden from anyone. Gujrat is still not having a lokayukt. And importantly, like all other parties, BJP too is not in favour of strong lokpal bill (however hard they may try to show that).
Team Anna's decision to go political is questioned by many. Congress says that they always knew that Team Anna had political ambitions. When the ruling party is clearly abetting corruption and is not listening to lakhs of people who are asking for a lokpal bill for everyone's good (expect corrupt), then the options are quite limited. Laws can only be made in parliament but in the current national political ecosystem, nation cannot have a strong lokpal bill ... this is now quite evident. So, the choice is to keep doing periodic anshans, to which govt would not pay any attention, tamed media would declare it as failure and soon people too would loose interest as they would realize that however sincere, the effort would ultimately go down the drain. The other logical choice is the take anti-corruption battle from streets to parliament. Some people say that politics is filthy and good people should keep out of it. Actually, this is what corrupt in power wants ... to keep it filthy and create an atmosphere where good people may not want to come. It is time for right people to enter the system and clean the filth. Make it a career option for youth.
Creating a political party is not a seasonal thing. Irrespective of the election results, the party must continue and work towards achieving the laid down goals. Even if Team Anna manages to get a few seats in parliament, that would be a good beginning. Apart from regular chaos in parliament and civil movment trouncing speeches, people may hear a feeble voice in the true interest of nation. And THAT feeble voice would make the difference in restoring people's faith in parliament. Another point ... even if Team Anna do not succeed in 2014 elections, they should target for state elections. By vitrue of quality of their governance, they may set the ball rolling for 2018 elections. So, patience and consistency is the key here. If you stick to your goals and keep delivering on those lines, even at small scale, the impact would be there.
I heard several people talking about constitution and threat to democracy by these civil movements. With all due respect, constitution did not descend from heaven but was created by some very knowledgable, capable and path breaking people. We should respect the constitution but keep amending it as and when required. I am sure if Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and his colleagues knew how selfish, insensitive and corrupt people in power may become then they would have surely built suitable provisions in the constitution from day one. But it is never too late to strengthen the constitution. The more powerful a constitutional position or body is, the more stringent checks and balances should be in place to keep. It is like a powerful locomotive that needs equally matching bakes. Otherwise it will cause havoc.
CAG has recently given three thundering reports and stubborn govt is busy trashing them, as they tried to do in case of 2G scam. PMO too is again implicated in these scams. This is yet another reason why Prime Minister and PMO should be covered in Lokpal bill. All this will only feed the unrest in the society and disrespect for the entire political class. People who denounce civil movements as threat to democracy must realize that such movements act as ventilator for society. It let's them vent out its frustration and anger in peaceful way and such movements should be respected and welcomed for right causes.
Some people asked me why are you so passionate about anti-corruption movement and what is there for me. To them I say that when I am on my death bed taking my last breath, I would look back and recall this entire civil revolution and it would bring smile on my face. Even cockroaches eat, defecate, reproduce and die ... we can certainly do a bit more ... a bit better!
My colleague and I often used to discuss the way country in going downhill and the indifferent and opportunist political and bureaucratic system clearly abetting corruption at all levels. We often used to say "is desh ka kuch nahin ho sakta" and I am sure there are thousands who had the same perspective (some may still think the same). In a sense like many other, I too had resigned to the fate and accepted corruption as necessary evil in India. Regardless of your morality and honesty, you can't live without it and you can't escape it so rather accept it as part of life. We often used to joke that if self aggrandizement is the goal then education, professional know-how etc hardly matters and are just waste of time and money. Rather politics is the easiest way of achieving everything and beyond; not only for yourself but for all your kin for generations to come. Before April 2011, I knew a little about Anna Hazare. Just had a idea that he is a social worker and has done wonders in his village. In comparison Baba Ramdev had built up an image of yoga guru quite early. His outburst against black money is not new. He had been advocating on bringing black money for years now.
Anna's movement is attributed for bringing corruption agenda at the national level and forcing establishment to take note of the strong public resentment against this malpractice. The strength of Anna's movement is the strong core group comprising of people with credible past and contribution to the society. Prashant Bhushan, Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Shishodia, Kumar Vishwas etc are now household names. Govt too has very knowledgeable and capable professionals at their end but there is a difference between a goal driven volunteers of a civil group and the govt's team working to weaken the civil movements. People who volunteer are much motivated and willing to sacrifice than someone who is asked to tow lines of their political masters. What Anna and team is asking is quite logical and govt should have given this to nation a long time back. But by bringing its own version of crippled and lame lokpal bill, they are trying to do an eye-wash. Some intellectuals and editors say that let govt pass their version of lokpal bill and it can be amended later. But I agree with Kejriwal and others when they say that it would only help in increasing the corruption and not reduce it. First time govt is offering lawyers to people charged under corruption! Amazing! And also, several important laws are waiting for suitable attention for ages but govt is not acting on them like police reforms, women reservation etc. I have sincere doubt that once lokpal bill is passed, there would only be attempts to weaken it rather than making it strong. Take example of RTI act. Govt has been trying to dilute it as it has proven to be a credible tool for unearthing the rot in the system.
A vicious campaign was launched against Team Anna to malign their credibility and standing in society so that they loose massive public support that they enjoy. Some say that Team Anna members are corrupt. To them I would reply that congress led govt is not benevolent or spiritual to let go any opportunity to tarnish them or loop them in legal ways. If they are guilty then govt would have launched everything under its control (except BSF) to annihilate the movement. Also, for a noble anti-corruption cause, people should even support Phoolan Devi let alone Anna Hazare who enjoys pristine image & social credentials. To those who are against some individuals in Team Anna, I would say that look at the cause and not the person. Even the most corrupt in Indian has every right to ask elected govt to give him/her corruption free and credible political and bureaucratic system. Govt cannot possibly say that you are corrupt so you do not have any right to ask for a clean system. By virtue of mandate given by public to elected govt, they have moral obligation to provide a corruption devoid system to the nation.
Last year Anna's 12 day fast in August had a tremendous impact. The political class felt threatened that if people realize their power and it may spell doomsday for several political giants. To uneasiness of many in influential positions, the common man has now started saying "is desh ka kuch to ho sakta hai". To hold on to the propagate the unfounded belief in public that elected representatives are unquestionable, some MPs cleverly linked their reputation with parliament's reputation. They say that parliament is like a temple. Right ... it sure is. But people should very well keep a check on priests in template that may have turned corrupt and wicked. Those who do not deserve to be in parliament must be questioned and made to answer difficult questions. Arvind Kerjiwal was right in saying that some of the people who are not even fit to apply for the post of peon are now sitting in parliament taking decisions on important bills.
In July 2012, Anna sat on anshan at Jantar Mantar. I was there on very first day at 8:30 AM. Anna's movement had been branded as a middle class movement which does not carry sentiments of other classes of the society. This time I saw several people from villages with their bags and sacks. A good number of rural women were in the crowd. On first day number of people was a little low till 3:00 PM or so. Being a working day that was quite expected and it is quite normal for an Anshan to take sometime to reach the pinnacle. I subsequently visited Jantar Mantar on Saturday (28 July) and Sunday (29 July) too.
Taking lessons from previous anshans and the kind of support that it got from media, govt was well prepared this time. The effect was clearly visible on the kind of news being flashed and the visuals that accompanied. Since I had been to Jantar Mantar myself I could clearly see the discrepancy in reporting. Some channels were running footage taken in the morning (when crowd was less) throughout the day and claiming that this time the anshan is flop. The worst part was, when Ramdev along with his followers joined Anna Hazare at Jantar Mantar, all of a sudden these channels who had been looping the morning footage since then went live and claimed that Ramdev saved the day for Anna. On weekends Jantar Mantar was burgeoning with people and media had to drop that line.
Media kept counting heads at Jantar Mantar! I was wondering what is required to convince the media? Shall we put an attendance register at Jantar Mantar entrerance and share the count with media every evening? Then there was another news headline ... equally amusing "People are at Jantar Mantar on weekends but let's see if Team Anna has the same support on weekdays too". In a sense, media was saying that people who supported Anna on Saturday and Sunday may not do so on weekdays! By the logic, this corrupt govt, which is loosing people's support with each passing hour, should ideally prove its majority everytime it steps into the parliament. Isn't it? From my family, my brother and I visited Jantar Mantar to show solidarity with the movement. My wife, parents and my kids did not come to Jantar Mantar but it certainly does not mean that they do not support Anna Hazare. For every person who was physically present at anshan at Jantar Mantar or any other part of the country, there were a few others in his family who could not join him. As Anupam Kher wisely put "People who do not goto temple, does not mean that they have no faith in God"
Baba Ramdev has been vocal about black money for some years now and is consistently lobbying for brining black money. Buoyed by the immense public response to Anna Hazare's movement in August 2011, it was quite logical for Ramdev to show that he too enjoyed enormous public support for this national cause. So, in June 2011 he sat on Anshan. But he made a few mistakes which was exploited to the hilt by congress govt. Remember smiling Kapil Sibbbal flashing the letter of understanding signed by Balkrishna in news conference. Ramdev perhaps made the biggest mistake of his life immediately afterwards when instead of courting arrest on Ramlila stage, he chose to unsuccessfully flee in woman's dress. Later Ramdev claimed that it was a conspiracy to kill him on the stage, which was kind of hard to digest. Given that there was an army of news cameramen, govt could not have been stupid to do something like this on national TV. Looking back now, I am sure Ramdev would be regretting this decision rest of his life. In total contrast, Anna played the similar situation perfectly to his advantage when police put him in Tihar Jail. He refused to leave Tihar and under immense public pressure the red faced govt had to go down on its knees with folded hands.
People have been talking about closeness of Ramdev with RSS and BJP for quite some time. But in Aug 2012 when Ramdev went on agitation and resolute governement did not even responded to his calls on bringing black money back, he unleashed his game-plan. Unlike Team Anna, which is critical of not only congress but also all other parties, Ramdev invited opposition to his stage and gave call for defeating congress in next elections. Interestingly and questionably, Ramdev also invited Mulayam Singh and Mayawati to join him in fight against congress. As per him, congress is the biggest corrupt party and its removal is necessary in country's interest. But Ramdev has not given any roadmap how his political allies help him in bringing black money home. Are they going to declare black money national asset, which congress has not done? What is the roadmap for bringing black money? Those are the questions that need to be answered.
There has been a stark difference between Team Anna and Ramdev's movments. Team Anna is pushing for a total system change and they do not think that change ruling party is going to make much different as all party's have shady background; whereas Ramdev is targetting dethroning congress in next general elections. Team Anna is quite focused on attacking tainted MPs and even publically read out corruption charges against them whereas Ramdev is against it. In my opinion, you respect a person who deserves that and be critical of those who are bringing disrepute to constitutional portfolio and profile. Under the circumstances when scams are pouring like anything, it is important the voters are aware of the truth so that they may take the right decision when time comes. Strangely Ramdev met and sought support on black money from political heavy-weights who themselves are suspected of amassing black money. Team Anna has successfully managed to connect with the vast middle class, youth and educated professionals whereas Ramdev has his own followers who mainly connected to him through yoga. Visit their movements and you can clearly see the difference in the crowd.
Team Anna has lokpal clearly marked as their first goal and they have well defined startegy for that too. When govt did not yield a dime after latest anshan, Team Anna decided to go political which some may find quite controversial. Team Anna is not going to back any political party but is going to float one of its own. This is quite daring and may have its own consequence but the time was ripe for it. With 2014 elections not far off and middle class support still with them, they may throw some surprise in political arena, which could turn good for the politically battered public. Ramdev's associated with BJP and RSS has always made Team Anna uncomfortable and therefore it is wise to keep the two movements running in parallel as their ideology is quite different. Ideally, with Team Anna about to go public with further details on its political party in coming days, Ramdev should support them in 2014 elections. But like many, I too think that Ramdev is playing in hands of BJP primarily and would only benefit him, which ultimately would be a sad thing. After all BJP too has its own set of corruption scandals. Illegal mining in Karnataka and Yedurappa's arm twisting is not hidden from anyone. Gujrat is still not having a lokayukt. And importantly, like all other parties, BJP too is not in favour of strong lokpal bill (however hard they may try to show that).
Team Anna's decision to go political is questioned by many. Congress says that they always knew that Team Anna had political ambitions. When the ruling party is clearly abetting corruption and is not listening to lakhs of people who are asking for a lokpal bill for everyone's good (expect corrupt), then the options are quite limited. Laws can only be made in parliament but in the current national political ecosystem, nation cannot have a strong lokpal bill ... this is now quite evident. So, the choice is to keep doing periodic anshans, to which govt would not pay any attention, tamed media would declare it as failure and soon people too would loose interest as they would realize that however sincere, the effort would ultimately go down the drain. The other logical choice is the take anti-corruption battle from streets to parliament. Some people say that politics is filthy and good people should keep out of it. Actually, this is what corrupt in power wants ... to keep it filthy and create an atmosphere where good people may not want to come. It is time for right people to enter the system and clean the filth. Make it a career option for youth.
Creating a political party is not a seasonal thing. Irrespective of the election results, the party must continue and work towards achieving the laid down goals. Even if Team Anna manages to get a few seats in parliament, that would be a good beginning. Apart from regular chaos in parliament and civil movment trouncing speeches, people may hear a feeble voice in the true interest of nation. And THAT feeble voice would make the difference in restoring people's faith in parliament. Another point ... even if Team Anna do not succeed in 2014 elections, they should target for state elections. By vitrue of quality of their governance, they may set the ball rolling for 2018 elections. So, patience and consistency is the key here. If you stick to your goals and keep delivering on those lines, even at small scale, the impact would be there.
I heard several people talking about constitution and threat to democracy by these civil movements. With all due respect, constitution did not descend from heaven but was created by some very knowledgable, capable and path breaking people. We should respect the constitution but keep amending it as and when required. I am sure if Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and his colleagues knew how selfish, insensitive and corrupt people in power may become then they would have surely built suitable provisions in the constitution from day one. But it is never too late to strengthen the constitution. The more powerful a constitutional position or body is, the more stringent checks and balances should be in place to keep. It is like a powerful locomotive that needs equally matching bakes. Otherwise it will cause havoc.
CAG has recently given three thundering reports and stubborn govt is busy trashing them, as they tried to do in case of 2G scam. PMO too is again implicated in these scams. This is yet another reason why Prime Minister and PMO should be covered in Lokpal bill. All this will only feed the unrest in the society and disrespect for the entire political class. People who denounce civil movements as threat to democracy must realize that such movements act as ventilator for society. It let's them vent out its frustration and anger in peaceful way and such movements should be respected and welcomed for right causes.
Some people asked me why are you so passionate about anti-corruption movement and what is there for me. To them I say that when I am on my death bed taking my last breath, I would look back and recall this entire civil revolution and it would bring smile on my face. Even cockroaches eat, defecate, reproduce and die ... we can certainly do a bit more ... a bit better!
