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While I support all possible measures to stop all forms of corruption and black money, I do

not support the method adopted by the team led by Anna Hazare. I do not want to destroy the

constitutional mechanism and institutions of which I am proud of, notwithstanding their

shortcomings. If Parliament is not reflecting and acting as per the interest of voters, we need

to elect candidates and parties which will meet our aspirations and directions. We cannot

destroy the Parliamentary system, just as we cannot destroy the judiciary, the rule of law, thebureaucracy and a free press. While many other countries which got freedom from colonial

rules during the last few decades could not organise such constitutions and institutions like

ours, this is a matter of pride for us. Could we throw the baby out with the bath water?

Comparisons with Gandhian struggle are not correct. Gandhiji was fighting a foreign ruler

and his mission was to send out the foreigners and get Independence. He mobilised the

common people as well as the educated and, often, his fast was against his own people when

there was communal flare-up, or when his people killed Britishers. I will not belittle or

ridicule our Independence by saying that we have no independence, just the goras (whites)

have gone and kalas (blacks) have come, as Anna has declared. I felt sad to hear that

comment from someone who claims to follow Gandhiji. He also says the electorate do notknow how to elect, that elections are a sham and that Parliament does not represent people.One of his followers, who was also a senior central service officer, declares that Anna is

India and India is Anna. Yet another says the notification of the standing committee inviting

comment from the public at large on the Lokpal is eyewash and a diversionary tactic.

Anna says he will fast till death unless his bill is passed by August 30. All these make one

terribly worried about the democratic path we have chosen and of which we are all very

proud. An imperfect democracy is far better than a perfect dictatorship. The claim of Anna

and half a dozen people that they represent the Indian public is nothing but dictatorial. We

cannot be fooled by the few thousand people who are gathering on the Ramlila grounds. They

are angry with corruption, but do not understand the nuances of democratic institutions. For

many, it is a picnic, fun and getting a chance to be on national TV.

There are several issues that can be pushed by similar individuals and groups who can draw a

much bigger crowd. Some of these issues are recognised as desirable in the Directive

Principles of our Constitution and have been dormant since 1950. The women's reservation

bill appears to have the backing of all major political parties with a two-thirds majority in

Parliament but it is yet to come up before the Lok Sabha and far from becoming a law. What

will happen if some people start similar agitations seeking to get these measures passed as

law within a given time? What will happen when someone goes on a fast unto death at Jantar

Mantar asking total independence for Kashmir and someone else sits on a similar fastdemanding abolition of the special status given to Jammu and Kashmir?

Will the Jan Lokpal bill stop all corruption? It is only a mechanism to punish the guilty who

are caught. What about those who are not caught and where there is mutual approval of

giving and taking bribe? Remember that a large part of bribe-givers are happy and willing to

chase officials privately with money to escape lawful punishment, avoid paying taxes and

dues or to jump the queue to get benefits not due to them or to get ahead of those who are

waiting. They are not going to complain to anyone. I believe a major part of the bribe given

to government servants is in this category and a smaller part is where government servantsharass and demand bribe. I was in government service for long and the bribe offer is higher

than the bribe demand. How will a highly placed institution like Lokpal stop such cases?

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Do not NGOs and private enterprises indulge in corruption? Companies take bribe and even

individual entrepreneurs demand bribe from their suppliers and contractors to create black

money. A company gets a supply or work done for Rs. 1 lakh and asks the supplier or

contractor to give a bill for Rs.1.1 lakh, give him a cheque for 1.10 lakh and take back Rs.

10,000 in cash, or else he will not get work. This money is pooled as black money to be used

for a luxurious life, holiday abroad and to buy liquor. What about those who do not pay tax?Is it not corruption? What about private schools taking money on the pretext of donations and

other funds without issuing any bill and asking small children to collect unaccounted

donations from their locality? What about advocates, doctors, and professionals taking a huge

fee in cash, and not paying their full taxes? Most of the advocates including seniors take

astronomical figures as fees.

Corruption has to be attacked with systemic changes, using information technology, reducing

discretionary powers, reducing personal interface with government servants, and such

measures. Simultaneously, we should have a strong legal framework to quickly punish the

guilty. And under no circumstance, can we ridicule the freedom struggle and our achievement

of building institutions. We need to strengthen the institutions by electing capable people andeducating voters. Dictatorial methods of agitation saying that this is the bill, pass it or else

will not do.

What Hazare has achieved is to awaken a large number of urban populace to the urgency of

curbing corruption, and he should now give Parliament and the government time to come up

with their solution and keep up the awareness campaign till the next election. He should

contest the next election with his followers or force the political parties to adopt his solution

in their manifesto and then canvass for them.

(The writer's email id is [email protected])

Keywords:Anna Hazare, Lokpal Bill

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Comments:

We have also observed Ramdev to fast and also observed how govt has eradicated that. So

dont think govt. bends so easily. Anna's fast is having much relevance as it is against the most

common problem face by most common people so it gathered a huge support which made the

govt bend. So dont worry if a fast is not having much significance will die its own death and

it wont make an impact to the parliamental supremacy of democracy. And another thing,

Democracy from very basic is by the people, for the people and of the people so it wont be a

good idea to confine it under 60 yrs old parliamental constitution as it also need some

evolution with time otherwise ill element will flourish as like mosquitoes in stagnent water.

Such movement can ensure the flow of evolution of our democracy and can remove ill

elements. I understand the difficulty of implementing a strict LokPal but this movement has

created a huge awareness among the common people which i think itself a very big

achievement.

from: AjoyPosted on: Aug 28, 2011 at 02:17 IST

Who blackmailed the government into tabling the bill? One old man? You honestly thinkthey give a rat's ass about one man dying? The simple truth of the matter is that we all

'blackmailed' OUR OWN duly elected representatives to do what WE want for a change. This

is not 'unparliamentary' or 'undemocratic'. This is in fact a new and much more robust form of

democracy, that refuses to let fat cat politician plunder at will after having won the ballot.

Maybe now they will stop distributing sweets and playing holi when they win elections, and

instead buckle up and try and figure out how to live on their meager MP salaries. Maybe now

politics will not be perceived as a cash cow to milk at will. Maybe now we will get our next

leaders of government from this anti-corruption movement! And maybe, just maybe, theLokpal, sometime in the near future would be jobless and defunct. Pray how and why do you

imagine that things can be worse than they are because of the Lokpal?

from: Rajiv

Posted on: Aug 28, 2011 at 02:37 IST

I agree with some of the comments above but too much debate in an inefficient democracy

which to date has not brought the required changes means that there will be uprising of voices

by way of protest and stringent demands.

from: ManmohanSinghPosted on: Aug 28, 2011 at 03:27 IST

The last para of your post sums it all - Annaji has awakened the dormant indian populace.But

i feel we should not attach any intrinsic meaning to the statements made by Anna because

whatever stated by annaji was after giving sufficient opportunities to the persons concerned

and also he is not a diplomat nor is he a politician.Why I support sri anna is at least he has

given vent to the common man's feelings and i do not believe that this would lead to creation

of bad precedent because we cannot take public opinion for granted. yes ofcourse we all at

some stage are guilty of encouraging corruption but take the positives this agitation has paved

way for creation of meaningful enactments..an enactment which is more proactive and result

oriented.

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from: Dinesh


You have given a list of corruption methods with a footnote saying it is unavoidable. yet

developed countries do not have these problems. They have worked to eliminate them.

German MNC's bribe. I know of them bribing DRDO, HMT, and every governmentorganisation at all levels from politicians to the engineer signing the contract. If accounting

and audit is made more stringent will they not be caught? Will government servants not be

caught? Who suffer? Every innovation in scientific institutes suffers. Every weapon

developed indigenously suffers as hardwork is given the go by. When India did not sign NPT

their work was stalled in space technology for some banned items. People selling those items

laughed and said - how come you cannot even produce this(indians work abroad there) - a

small part or a small software program or some connecting interface. That means all

investment in defense, nuclear industry,agriculture, every scientific endeavor is a big waste

eaten by the corruption monster.So to compensate for the poor quality of work in defense

industry we buy from abroad - paying higher price and getting kickbacks. That takes away

money from poverty alleivation. Does it even make sense? Why is this madness in place?Somebody especially in the government must question. And Congress being in power for so

long must really stop and ponder why they want to keep this mad status quo intact. Because it

is system perfected by them - they take kickbacks - most of the funds are in the name of the

Nehru- gandhi family in swiss banks - they use those funds to fight elections and stay in

power. They might give the justification that they do not get influenced by the corporate

lobby so they can help the poor and the minorities, they can say we are neutral in our policies

as we do not have to depend on anyone for funding so non alignment as a strategy giving self

respect to Indians is better preserved - but look at the cost - look at south Korea.

from: meeta


Dear sir, I appreciate your logic that the method adopted by the Anna team is not

correct.But,unless some one takes up the issue at this level,the Govt and the political parties

are not at all interested in the bill. I understand that we have adopted democratic system but

the elected representatives have forgotten their duty towards the people who elected them to

solve their problems.In our daily life,for every matter, we face hurdles in the shape of

corruption and the people have crossed the tolerence level.The recent scams,one after the

other,one bigger than the other,involving high end political leaders,have finally prompted

everybody to revolt and support the cause.Had the action by Anna and his team with the full

support of the Nation and the world not been this severe,this Govt would not have actedatleast 'in principle' way. Even now,the people have to wait for full results.

from: Ananda Rao


You don't get it. It is not the individuals that are responsible for corruption, it is the system.

Just contesting the election and Anna Hazare becoming the Prime Minister will not change a

thing. Dr. Singh is a fine enough and an honest person and he can't do a thing to stop the

corruption. It is the system that has to be changed, new laws have to be drafted, and a danda

(stick) has to be created for the errant politicians and the civil servants.

from: Satpathy

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I haven't read through your entire article. However have a question to "What will happen if

people start similar agitations seeking to get their demands passed as law within a given

time?" What will happen if no one stands up??

from: Saurabh Gupta


Great Article. You said what I am have been thinking and saying to people. Unfortunately, no

one comments on such articles but write bogus stuff on other articles that support Anna's

moment. People complain that city streets are not clean but who is creating the garbage.

Unless, people stop creating garbage on streets, the cleaners can't be held accountable. It is

irony that the same Indian that creates garbage on the streets keeps garbage in the pocket

once he/she lands in a foreign country.

from: Manish ShahPosted on: Aug 28, 2011 at 05:40 IST

Please do not spread such wrong message on print. Supremacy of parliament is OK but when

people have realized that a major chunk of person moving and shaking the parliament are the

epitome of corruption, these protests are needed. Kudos to Shri Anna Ji, we Indians have

sensed the urgency and have got the prowess to bring forward the honest public demands to

be the driver of parliamentary policies. Your justification that Kashmir issue could be a threat

holds fake logic. People at large joined the movement as they could connect their day to day

problems in this mass movement. DEMOCRACY is meant to uphold the voice of people of

the nation not the fake supremacy of parliament where MPs consistently did not want to give

away corrupt practices.

from: Subha


There you go another (after Arundathi Roy,Mahesh Bhatt) arm chair pseudo-intellectuals

from a microscopic minority trying to get seek attention from the people .. Request people

like you to indulge in ACTION rather than resorting to mere lip-service. I am sure some

people will share your views but my humble request to them is to for heavens sake move out

of this deep slumber and DO SOMETHING CONCRETE and BE A CHANGE AGENT

rather than being overly cynical. . I respect all diverse views but try something new Aashish,this is not going to fly . I am afraid you will not find any takers.

from: Ranjit


When someone starts doing good things for the country, people like you discourage them by

posting such useless thoughts and stupid comments. So just one question for you Mr Ashish

Gupta, What is YOUR way of effectively fighting corruption? And how quick good results

will it yield?

from: KaranPosted on: Aug 28, 2011 at 07:32 IST

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Mr. Ashish, I really dont care why you dont support Annaji. At least we have some hope

now. IF the system happens to be too monstrous, we the citizens of india should modify it as

the time goes by...I sincerely thank from bottom of my heart to Annaji for making this to

happen.

from: MuthushivPosted on: Aug 28, 2011 at 08:28 IST

You are wrong on most points. When rulers are corrupt, the system is corrupt, and when the

system is corrupt, constitutional means are not enough. What Annaji is doing is the only thing

that people could do. The people elect leaders because they all say the "right" things during

election campaigns. But once they are elected, they all become corrupt because that's the way

the system is.Once in a while, popular revolutions are good to cleanse the system. More

power to Annaji!

from: Sam


While many people are going to disagree with you, I for one fully support your stance. You

have expressed my very own views. Here I would only like to quote one adage, "To change

the system, be the system first." I urge the civil society members, if you really want to reduce

corruption, please contest the elections. I will certainly vote for you!!!

from: Gaurang Torvekar


This method is not new...at least 4 leaders went on with fast in recent times in a.p. With little

success...stop acting like Anna has created a new scary weapon and you are worried... He was

successful because of the legitimacy of issue, his resolve and the universal concern for the

issue.

from: Manish


Is 43 years not enough. During this period, government after government has been discussing

and then dumping the Lokpal bill. It is very easy to say contest elections. Don't you know Mr

Gupta how elections are won in India. I tell you the formula if you not already know

it.Money and muscle power are the two main ingredients of this formula. No body can win anelection in India without these.Our dear PM and Mr. Mani Shankar Iyer are two shining

examples.That Mr. Iyer could win it once is an aberration,a miracle and miracles do not take

place too often.

from: n.r.singh


"Corruption has to be attacked with systemic changes, using information technology,

reducing discretionary powers, reducing personal interface with government servants, and

such measures".

I would like to add here - In today's Hindu on RTI (RTI Act more potent than LOKPAL)That is it. Transparency will clean the society. Secrets has no place in modern world, yet,

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unfortunately, Secret rules. Few take it as a mission to bring out the truth. That is why I salute

THE HINDU for publishing WIKILEAKS! Another measure that can help is to break the

strangle hold Multinationals and Indian Business has on the establishment of Armed forces,

Bureaucracy, and politicians, both in power and even some out of power to get them toe their

line. They use all means, money, flattery, brainwashing, other enticements, placement in IMF

etc. The corruption by petty government officials hardly matter.

from: P P Rajagopalan


People are not that fools to start similar agitations seeking to get their demands passed as law

within a given time. Corruption, education, electoral reforms, health care are certain areas

that concern the people. They want accountability by the politician. The democratic set up

sounds incorrect. Every democratic body has political interference. Corrupt politicians are

allowed to make laws to govern the nation. Parliament is said to be supreme. Politicians

should not be given the right to make laws. Laws should be made by eminent personalities. If

the Lok pal does not stop corruption as contended by the author, it is a test for democracy andthe people.

from: Sravana Ramachandran


The premise of your article itself is incorrect. The parliamentary system is completely

inefficient and broken which would never pass any laws that are meaningful or will hurt the

beneficiaries of corruption in this case. This shows the frustration of people of India with

crippled democracy which is not representative of peoples demands or aspirations. I would go

as far to compare it with the Arab spring where Indian people have risen in an appreciably

peaceful way to reform the country. Would this be a indication of how future laws will be

created maybe not unless the issue gathers the support of nation as did in this case. Political

reform must happen in this broken state and hopefully we will see new progressive leaders in

India as we have seen in the private sector. All is not lost. Growing economic power will

make people want to achieve better lifestyle for themselves and their coming generations.

from: Santosh


Every election we select or they made it to select by themselves. Why until now nothing

happend. One thing you forget most of the present leaders plan to earn and why they did notimplemet lokpal for the last 30yrs and people like you didnot raise the issue. As of now

common man can not live and no results came out for the people who has involved in such

crimes at the most they resign and take the public money. In the next election if we didnot

select any candidate and how we will form government. I hope at least the corrupted people

leaders will slowly quit or may be a chance that they will find another business as not public

service.

from: Justin


Hey no offense but I do not agree with this. When you are talking about electing a good neweligible candidate that is good and reasonable but to bear the pain till the election and right

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canvassing is done is waste of time. So, its not throwing the baby out of water but instead its

saving the baby from hot water by taking her out.

from: Kalpana


1)While I also feel that such a time deadline was not proper, but why not a 'Janlokpal bill' be

adopted? It has been under back burner for many years just because it will snatch the "Right

to corruption" of the powerful people. many of these fight election, as an investment, and

earn in majestic figures for the hansome return return. It is their business. Lots of money is

swallowed in the name of transfers of officials and their cancellations! The scene is such that

an ordinary man cannot think of fighting election! It's a multi crore investment now.

(2) Sharad Yadav, who was telling in parliament yestaerday that Sansad is supreme and it has

sent A. Raja and likes to prison, come on, they few were sheer unlucky! He himself has

earned millions in railway recruitment while he was railway minister. They yell that

parliament is supreme, just because they are safe being MP's. (3) Yes, parliament can be

respected but not these shameless politians, who won due to money power.

from: Tahmina Khan


Well balanced article. The writer has tried to grab the core of the problem. It is rightly

pointed out that what about those who force a government officer to take bribe otherwise

threaten to be killed.

from: Moin


I completely agree with Author's view that corruption in the system is somewhere a reflection

of our society's moral values. And yes just building an institution won't be enough to solve

corruption. I also agree that we don't need to worship Anna Hazare as a hero and his methods

and force govt to accept his version of bill by a timeline. But it is equally important to at least

take steps in the right direction. Given the tardy speed at which govt was trying to introduce

Lokpal bill, a strong action from civil society was imperative. Let's not forget RTI Act was

also just a bill but it has opened avenues for people to usher transparency in govt departments

like never before. Being vigilant and politically aware is a small price people would always

have to pay for democracy.

from: Richa


I cannot but agree to each and every word you have written. We take great pride in calling

ourselves the largest democracy of the world - however, we ourselves did not adhere to

constitutional means in this Jan Lokpal bill episode. There are also high chances that in near

future other issues would be fought for in similar fashion - what will be left of our

constitutional framework in that case ? It is also sad that the 24X7 media coverage has hyped

the matter so such an astronomically high proportion. Wish Irom Sharmila had received a fair

amount of coverage for her struggle as well.

from: Indira Mukherjee

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Fantastic article Mr. Gupta, I agree to all your points. I have supported all the people's

revolution right from Tahrir Square to Jantar Mantar but Anna and his aides lost me and my

support at Ramlila Maidan. It is one thing to ask, nay demand attention, for your cause and a

totally different thing to destroy the credibility and humiliate the elected representatives to1.2billion people. The arm-twisting and brinkmanship tactics are the worst precedent set for a

diverse and democratic country like ours. Equally, no, far worse than these tactics were coy

surrender of Parliament.

We, India are not just diverse in our language, culture, traditions etc but also strongly

divergent in our views- political, economic or governance. I will be least surprised if we have

series of such events happening regularly. It will not be long before the chickens will come

home to roost.

from: Brijesh Jana


You are wrong. Anna Hazare took this measure because of the enormity of the loss due to

corruption and blatant misuse of power. You should also be aware why people are supporting

this movement and government caved in. Why did the government cave in? If what they were

doing is right and what Anna is doing is wrong, why did they have to change? Now imagine

A.Raja or Suresh Kalmadi going on fast saying they are innocent and the charges have to be

dropped! (I'm not saying they are guilty. They are innocent until proven guilty.) Do you think

they would get the support and government would cave in?

Sure, we elect the representatives, but you should remember that our system is made up in

such a way that elected parties gain enormous power and it becomes next to impossible to

challenge them. Despite the exploding population the number of representative remain the

same! Except for nominal welfare systems founded after independence, we are essentially a

corrupt capitalist state!

from: Senthil


I agree to many of the points you have raised in the article like lack of morality among the

public is the cause for the wide spread of the corruption. We need to reflect upon this and

strengthen the education system where the moral and ethical values should be imparted to the

students in a rightful manner.

But I don't agree that the people should not sit and do the peaceful dharna. You say that somevested interest elements may raise some unethical demands by the means of this fast unto

death dharnas. But do you really think that the Indian public is so gullible that they would

easily fall for that kind of improper demands. Corruption is the boiling issue. So many People

came spontaneously and supported the cause. Dictating is wrong. I too agree upon that. But

the citizens' right to peaceful demonstration cannot be taken away from them. Otherwise the

pressure will build up and will explode into the civil war. So right to protest is very much

necessary .

from: Vasanth


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please clarify which provision in Lokpal is against parliamentary democracy and Indian

constitution. When you write something, there should be some clarity. You are saying that

you are against corruption and believe that voting will solve the problem. But you did not

answer "why India failed to vote and elect politicians/party for last 60 years who can prepare

a strong anti-corruption law?". and why Indians were witnessing increase in corruption?

from: Jobin Augustine


It is just like telling the women tolerate the attrocities of her husband as ur now married and it

is ur fate to suffer till end of life. It is better to get divorced and start a new life rather than

tolerating undeserving person tru-out the life. Belieiving in constn is gud thing but it is man

made and not divine to be flawless. Ur opinion conveys, once the elected person fails to

deliver the responsibility and then wait for next 5 years to remove him and wait for next 5

years with an expectation that other will do it. LP is a tool enabling to take remedial action

against during his tenure itself eg. Karnataka. After 5 yrs as ppl memory may faint he may

come back with some emotional issues . He is using a democratic methd to express hisopinion and which is gaining ppl supp . His effort will only solve prob from outer side but to

eradicate it is we all needs to vote and counter against corrupt practices which we follow and

encourage . Let be practical rather than to be too ideal

from: krishnan


Ashish Simple Just like an honest person will not support a corrupt person and a Corrupt

person will never support any anti corruption person! What Freedom are you talking about? I

am sure you are rich, powerful and well connected to the govt machinery, just go to any

office and stand in a queue to get your work done, like any common man...I bet your blood

would start boiling even before your turn comes up in the queue. you have written,"If

Parliament is not reflecting and acting as per the interest of voters, we need to elect ....We

cannot destroy the Parliamentary system, just as we cannot destroy the judiciary, the rule of

law, the bureaucracy and a free press." So it is OK for them to destroy the country and it is

not right for Anna to fight it, We can not wait as we have already waited 69 years. And Don't

worry NO ONE WOULD TURN UP IF YOU STARTED ANSHAN or if Sonia or PM MMS

started the Anshan! we have won the second freedom struggle!

from: Anna Hazare Supporter


sir, it is true that the method adopted by anna is not flawless, but i would like to know what

else a person (aam admi) can do to make the higher minds sitting in parliament realize that a

strong law has to be made against corruption??? what anna tried is really admirable ....

gandhiji fought Britishers , anna is fighting corruption which is harming us more than what

britishers did years ago.... it is true that one who can change corruption is the one himself ,but

if the whole system is corrupt u have very less chances to do that....due to anna and aam

admis' upsurge at least we have got a bill against corruption .it is not good on ones' part to

suggest faults with others without providing the alternative way........

from: vivekPosted on: Aug 28, 2011 at 14:34 IST

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Dear Sir, You have rightly said what i have been saying. You are right. These groups are

behaving as if corruption is a sudden occurance.Ultimately no body should be above the

parliament and lokpal or Janlokpal should be accountable to someone.

from: NArayanan Iyer


Anna's Method of protest is fully justified in the present context for the following reasons:We have unfortunately come to a pass where it is a hard reality that majority of our MPs have

lost public credibility due to corruption in high offices. This loss of credibility has led us to a

situation where common people came out in support of Anna. For example if our Prime

Minister says that for sake of coalition compulsion, loot by Rajas and Kalmadi types

happened it is most unfortunate for all of us. The methodology adopted by Anna to pressurize

government is quite valid for that reason. We have been listening to thousands of intellectual

people in this country talking and talking every day on different shows and public functions

but tell me Sir, what change they brought into this system? Anna on the other hand

demonstrated words and action both. If the politicians had maintained the decorum ofParliament and not resorted to loot, the Anna would not be on the scene at all.

from: Vijay Raina


There is no 'FAST' road to efficient and virtuous government. Especially when the source of

all corruption, i.e. the most unequal society on the planet. A little more then 20 families

control the vast majority of the wealth of the nation. Corruption is Capitalism and Capitalism

is corruption. The illusion of a middle class based democracy is rapidly being dismantled

everywhere on the planet in the absence of any threat by the working class. It was only fear

of the Soviet Union that forced the Capitalists to allow a middle class in the first place.

from: Richard


once the whole country is supporting the ANNA JI,if you dont support his efforts it hardly

matters.

from: m.janardhan rao


I don't understand why we are trying to find faults and advocating technically correct

solutions. Getting attention and ensuring public participation have never come with great

academic arguments. On the field, common men need leaders who will communicate to them

of their noble intentions, clear, time bound and simple objectives. An imperfect yet collective

public emotion is anytime stronger than perfect strategies and tactics.

from: Sreejith Narendran


Very nice article.

from: Sumit

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I support the points put, may be the modus operandi to pass the bill was not correct, BUT we

should also not forget the NUMEROUS corruption cases which wants justice since long. As

correctly highlighted the Women's bill is pending since years, the same would have been the

condition of this Lokpall Bill. JUSTICE DELAYED IS JUSTICE DENIED.

from: Suhash Chakraborty


Anna have adopted a plan which may be undemocratic, Jan lokpal may not eradicate

corruption completely, but 'SOMETHING IS BETTER THAN NOTHING!!!!'

from: Practical Thinker


It was Gandhi himself who had said that "Civil Obedience become a sacred duty when thesystem become lawless" - we have seen how the Parliament, and the successive governments

at the Centre have responded to the scourge of corruption - and if someone has to blackmail

them for doing something good - I am fully in agreement. After all, words, systems, and

intellectual speculations was what we had all these years from all quarters - and nothing was

achieved. And now, we had one sincere activist, with no awards, no recognition - and he has

brought a change. What's wrong with that? People are complaining that he has set a

dangerous precedent - indeed - the powers-to-be need to be aware that now people cannot be

taken for granted.

from: Sagar


Well said. Hats off to you. I am one amoung you who have the same thoughts and feelings. I

feel great when Anna fight against corruption and youngsters join hands, but he expects

someone else to stop the corruption. why ? Is it not possible for Team of youth who gathered

around Anna can stand in election to change our India. The problem starts when we try to ask

some one to stop. I prefer the first WE need to stop corruption, from traffic signals to land we

buy. How many of us provide the exact of money we spend to buy, how many of us gave

money to traffic police and the list goes on. I feel changes should be done for future not for

the present black money we have. It should educate the people not to corrupt / bribe.

Ultimately this is what i have seen in our country THOSE WHO HAVE MONEY GIVEBRIBE / CORRUPT BUT THOSE WHO NEED MONEY GET THE BRIBE/FIGHT

AGAINST IT. Let India change, let the youngsters grow and rule the country with knowledge

and do good to all people.

from: Terence


What Anna Hazare thought and did is apt for the current situation. Even after so much of

technology, transparency still corruption exists. We need fast track court to trial and book the

culprit. people would not support similar act by any individual unless there is a common

cause. So the fear of the write is not exists.

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from: Nagesh


Superb article sir,i like it at the fullest.This is what i thought from the begining.One most

important repurcussion of these movement is the awareness that it has created about the

corruption.Now the time has come that we should take the issue of corruption.And shouldweed out the corruption from whatever possible means and effort.Our collective and sensible

action will bring the change.

from: Nurul Arfin


Anna Hazare's agitation was not that of few thousand people as my friend Mr.Gupta

observed.It is an agitation joined and supported by lakhs of people.It was not only on Ramlila

Maidan,but was at thousands of places in different parts of our country.

The question of supremacy of parliament is not to be disturbed.The Janlokpal bill and its

contents were the demands of Anna.Anna does not want to enact the bill himself surpassingthe democratic process.

from: Rajesh Shah


Civil Society is the path of the citizenry to force parliament to address a much needed issue.It appears that you rather abhor democracy in action. How can any person argue that a

Constitution or Parliament is more valid than the unified voice of the electorate.

from: iyamwutiam


To all the folks that are asking Anna to contest an election or are belittling his achievement:

Social activism is important in both forms - to give back to your land which btw Anna has

done AND to constantly evaluate the morality and principles of our community. As a

citizenry we have compromised on what is a conscionable act, and have become immune to

the dirt that is contemporary Indian politics.

Anna Hazare is a social activist who is asking for more responsibility in this government.

from: jSharmaPosted on: Aug 28, 2011 at 19:21 IST

If there is one thing that can clean the mess in governance, it is political accountability, which

unfortunately is not working with 5 year elections. Politicians are shrewd enough to earn

illegal money without being detected by law. A strong lokpal can instill a fear of punishment

in political leaders and it will trickle down into the entire system. The existing democratic

system can get some more teeth with a lokpal. As you fear no one can blackmail the govt

with their demands, in this case the govt came to its knees only after the widespread public

support; the information is gathered by govt

intelligence rather than from TV channel coverage. And I dont think bribes are given and

taken in mutual understanding.

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When a step is made in the right direction, please support it; dont voice out illogical counter

opinions right from the start. It will not solve any problems.

from: Srinivas RS


Looking at the complete gameplan, Anna Hazare's image is used by his teammates to get

their work done. Once some1 becomes lokapal/lokayuta, he will have all the powers that a

police officers, they can rule the state n central govt, they can do transfers n stop transfers of

any officers, they will make rules n regulations and innocent citizens has to follow it, it is

such a Sick mentality, they are killing the whole purpose of democracy. What is the

guarantee the lokayukta/member of lokpal will not indulge in mal-practices.

from: Sandweep Debratha


Excellent points Mr.Gupta but pray tell us what is the constitutional means of makingourselves heard? The Lokpal bill, to cite just one example, has been in the "constitutional

machinery" for a while now. If our elected representatives do not represent us in parliament,

making ourselves heard in this fashion is preferable to burning buses, wouldn't you agree?

Why would one resort to 'unconstitutional' means to make themselves heard? It is only when

the system in place to address grievances does not work or there isn't a system in the first

place. I might sound naive here but if we had a fair mechanism to address concerns about the

meterman asking for a bribe or the property registration office asking for a bribe, wouldnt

you pick up the phone rather than burn buses or god forbid - go on a hunger strike! I know I

would rather pick up the phone.

from: R Gonda


Excellent! Whatever I thought in mind, you simply gathered and published Mr. Ashish

Gupta. Kudos!

Added more, the 'so called supporters' including the giants in the team, how many of them

not paid corruption for their works. Say buying of land, get into traffic signal, cinema ticket

(though its not government included, corruption is corruption is right?), school admission,

passport, ration, etc. etc. the list is unlimited. We are the reasons for the corruptions and until

and unless we change ourselves, nobody can eradicate corruption. no bill change thecorruption.

This generation is very much sensitive. He got that pulse successfully won in that. Frankly

saying most of the people arrived at Ramlila Maidan just to show their faces in Television.

'Hey did you see me yaar in TV?' I hope many of you agree with this dear supporters!

There are many ways to bring and pass the bill but not just pressure the Govt and fix the

deadline is not the perfect way Mr. Anna

from: M Selvakumar


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Even I didn't support Mr. Hazare... it's only after his arrest and the Tihar incident that shut the

case in favour of the government. In fact, I would love to see the Indian public give their

politicians a big lesson on who's boss and what democracy really is. I wish they introduce

bills based on meritocracy. For people who shout and yell when one speak in whichever

sabha, citing 'mobocracy' as a side to this movement is rather hysterical if you ask me! If

these guys cannot even tolerate their fellow parliamentarians speak, we common public standno chance at all! Go Mr. Hazare, I hope something good emerges from this. I remember

watching a video on Youtube where they threw mics and debri at each other in Lok Sabha -

talk about denigrating the standing of the parliament - how many were arrested for that

again? None.

from: Raj


People who wear a Gandhi cap cannot be Gandhi at all...And the whole drama happened inRam lila maidan was complete plot of BJP,RSS, and Bajrangi as the funds were covered by

them.

from: nazeer


you have triggered my anger when I read the line "Remember that a large part of bribe-givers

are happy"... My anger is coming out of my eyes as tears... take tatkal train ticket booking for

example (50% of the ticket is only available through tatkal)? Do you know what it takes a

middle class Indian parent to get school admission for their child?? When bureaucrats create

complex system what do you expect an ordinary citizen to do???

from: Kalyan


I agree with a lot of points mentioned by you. Anna Hazare's protest was successful because

people were emotionally driven. I am sure that most of the people wouldn't have been even

aware of what a Lokpal Bill is and how would it reduce the corruption, when they supported

Anna. I too seriously doubt that a bill would reduce corruption in India.

from: Ajay


I have read many articles on jan lok pal bill. Writers, who disagree with Anna's method of

forcing the government to pass the bill, give a very sugar coated argument to support his/her

stand. I want to ask these writers about the ways that Anna should have adopted to deal with

this menace of corruption, if he would have not resorted to his present stance.

I think none of the writers have produced an alternative to present method, which Anna

adopted.

from: Ankit Aarwal


First of all sir, this is not a movement to get any sort of personal benefits to Anna. That is anon-selfish "satyagraha" for the nation. And it was not to destroy the constitutional right of

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parliament. Anna respected parliament and he says that the people's demands should be

discussed in parliament and get them passed immediately. Let me ask you one thing. If the

MPs can pass their salary hike bill within few hours, then why can't they pass or at least

discuss the people's conditions?

from: jacobPosted on: Aug 29, 2011 at 03:57 IST

What Ashish is trying tell us is same thing as our ruling party is telling us. Kapil Sibbal was

also telling us the same thing. These people don't understand frustration of common man.

These people don't have any alternative for failure of our democracy.

from: Raj Patil


Best article boss, u did say the truth. I am in favor of you, i do have the same thoughts. And

the people above there who gave the comments against the article, first try to understand whatis corruption..? and what is non-violence..? and then comment. And read the non-violence

movement of Mahatma Gandhi and try to understand what it means, not like now a days to sit

on fast and give the timing to government that we will end the fast if you listen us. And its

not a game to sit on fast and break it and again sit on fast and again break it, Are they playing

a child's game or what..?? As child goes to play and when he feel hungry he have his food

and again go for a play. This is a democratic country and one of the famous country in the

world which have great culture and traditions, even the foreigners come and try to practice

and understand our culture. Don't give a bad impression on our country by doing all this silly

things like small children, think over it again...

from: Amitkumar


To believe in Anna or not to believe is what we debate, but if we introspect both belief

system converges to the same idea. If someone believes in democracy it is because not

everyone is like ANNA, how can we let go democracy that holds us we are all equal (at least

during election) and others who believe in ANNA wants INDIA TO BE ANNA. So the real

question that lies before us is What it takes to be ANNA.

I would also like to think about ANNAs statement WE have won half the BATTLE, Anna

is an honest man but just supporting him and waving the flag does not mean we are someone

separate from CORRUPTION. Probably ANNA has won the battle against corruption, butothers please dont separate yourself or think that politicians alone are corrupt. We are

corrupt, ANNA has helped us identify our true colors, lets change and make a difference

(Hopefully).

from: Vasanth Robin


If people start similar agitations seeking to get their demands passed as law within a given

time and if their demand is just they SHOULD and MUST get support from all of us and

getting their demand done is their RIGHT. There can be many excuses why it can not be done

but there is No reason why it can not be done. What is happening was a long time due and we

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government should be thankful to her citizens that it happened within peaceful and

democratic environment.

from: Santosh


I also agree with that.The positive side of this movement is the "Awareness of people".But

we have to keep in mind that,that was not the goal of team anna.They try to bring the "Jan

Lokapal" within August 30.I support Team Anna for what they have done before.But here in

Ramalila it was different.Their demands was unfair.

from: Bibin sunny


Like a wise man once said, there are no perfect people or means, there are just perfect

intentions.

from: Saurabh Jha


I am sure who do not agree with the approach Anna Hazare took would not have faced much

of so called "bribing" factor in their life. End of the day, he is fighting for you and me who

wants to lead a life that other fellow Indian citizens does in foreign countries. We have lived

a life so far with so much sacrifice but why not support the hardest way for nation's goodness.

I am not sure if you understood why one person like Anna hazare who had led couple of

villages has to take such a route. Government thinks what does this person can do. Only

question I pose to those who do not agree to Anna's approach is "Do you have any other way

around that can get the Government to LISTEN to citizens of India?"

from: Vinoth


It has become fashinable to be different,criticize the movement.Pray tell us what's the method

to be adopted if the Parliamentarians don't listen to the voice of the people.Yes,in a

democracy the VOICE of the people is Supreme,the constitution is supreme.Agreed, creation

of Lokpal will not end the monster of corruption, but at least a start has to be made

somewhere. This will act as a deterrant. To eradicate completely, the moral fabric of the

people has to be changed. One has to give more importance to the moral values,the traditionalfamily values & not run after economic aspirations only. Yes,at an individual level one

should try not to give/take bribe,then only we can make a Corruption free society.

from: deepee


It's not that,fasting can be used as a weapon to impose your view on government.It is the

gravity in the cause,which the Anna's fight against corruption has in it.Anna is one among

those,who are making people more proactive and letting them rouse to fight against the issues

which are hindrance in the path for the development of our country.If corruption is handled

and controlled in a very sagacious manner then India will become a global power directly inproportion to its population in all respects like education,industry etc.Also, if govt is also

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concerned in eradicating corruption then it would not have delayed in getting the names of

account holders of Swiss banks, as the Germany govt did, and would have booked those who

are found guilty.Eventually nothing happened so!

from: apra


"What will happen if people start similar agitations seeking to gettheir demands passed as law within a given time?"

Can you try to unite all the people of India for any agitation? let us see how many come with

you. If majority of people come, then its not an agitation its a movement. Most of our people

are bit selfish, they will participate only if they are affected. Every India 99% is affected by

corruption. I bet, no other issue will get this kind of support in India.

from: Rupa


I completely agree with you..."To change the system , you have to be a part of it and just

being a part of it is not enough but you have to reach the top to change it." What Anna Hazare

doing is dictatorship and his methodology is completely childish,unconstitutional and

undemocratic and strongly coercive though his intentions are against the corruption menace.

You can not bypass constitution as gives us ample opportunity to discuss,debate,advocate

your views. And no one has ever stopped them to stand in elections since 42 yrs..people ll

stand for u if ur intentions r pure, u can't blame that it just requires money n muscle. Anna is

ill advised and he is being misused and they r just using the mollified anti corruption

sentiment of people...they say they represent the country,I don't believe that...I support the

cause but I don't support the methodology...that'll set a wrong trend...

from: dr manoj waghmare


So many comments saying "WE Indians", "WE have done", "We have won" etc. Who is this

WE? Am I not part of this WE? One man and a group of followers doesn't represent the voice

of this country. I have reservations against the Jan Lopal Bill proposed by Anna Hazara.

Kudos to the author. I completely agree with his views. A honourable end doesnt justify

inhonourable means.

Let all of us work to root out corruption. Let us not leave it in the hands of a society or a

person.

from: Alen Aloysius


With all due respect, the constitution that you are referring to here itself is outdated. It was

framed by the committee led by Dr. B.R Ambedkar during the 1950's, keeping in mind the

status of British-trained, mainly agriculture dependent India. Now, there is revolution in

every field and I personally feel that the constitution needs a revision.

from: Praveen S

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For over 42 years such bills were analyzed by eight Standing Committees. The draft Jan Lok

Pal Bill was seen by five Ministers. subsequently the Government comes out with a bill

which is categorically rejected as the weakest bill by one and all. Under these circumstances

can the protest initiated by Anna Ji and supported by millions of Indian all over the world notbe considered as the highly probable solution finder?

from: RNR Krishnan


Sir I disagree with you on four points. First, Anna's Campaign against corruption has not

weakened our democracy or democratic institutions. In a democracy public is supreme, then

comes parliament and after that ministers MPs etc. Team Anna has not forced government to

pass their bill in the parliament, they only wanted it to be presented and discussed in it.

Secondly, fight against corruption is the voice and aspiration of educated youth residing in all

corners of India and not just few thousand of people standing on Ramlila ground. Thirdly,though there is difference in time and space between Gandhi's freedom struggle movement

and this movement but their common aim is welfare of people and the state. Beside voice of

youth, observed non violence and inspirational leadership are other common grounds. And

fourthly, though there are many problems at present and no system is foolproof but

somewhere a start has to be made. Its good that team Anna and Government has made it

together.

from: meeta bisht


Glad to see such rare articles and author who is not carried away by the mood of the moment.

And what worries me more than the attitude of Anna and his advisors, is that their attitude of

intolerance of other view points has spread to those who support them. Just go through the

responses to Ashish Gupta's article and you can see the intolerance and hence the tendency to

malign anyone who has a contrary view [who is dubbed a stooge of Congress]. The majority

of us Indians including those showing all those anti-corruption anger will take or give bribe

when it comes to their individual cases. But we say we hate corruption. I pray that corruption

is at least curbed; but I seriously doubt. When we don't hang those behind the murder of an

ex-PM and when a terrorist in the Mumbai attack is still there, when the chief of Indian army

during the Golden temple operation is murdered [I don't know what happened to the culprits]

how can we punish a 'poor' village officer who takes few rupees?

from: Geroge Varghese


Nice article sir, indeed you should have gone to Arundhati Roy to use few more beautifulwords, then it would have been a better article.

from: Raju


What Team Anna resorted to during agitation was nothing but literally blackmailing theGOI,which is a total disregard for our constitution. Forcing GOI to 'My way or highway' was

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uncalled for, which has set a wrong precedent for the people, even if it is for a greater cause.

Having said that, Constitution enables you to fight the system from within the system,

provided you don't have malice intentions, which is the case for most of the politicians. They

have been flexing their money and muscle in promoting corruption, which has been growing

like obnoxious weed. Again, Lokpal bill might turn out to be just another law, pending civil

and social reforms in the governance methods and reducing discreatonry powers, as pointedout by the author.Bringing judiciary reforms and speeding up impending cases in judiciary,

will go a long way in eradicating corruption.

from: Shishir


Everyone says Parliament is supreme and that only the elected representatives have theunlimited(?) powers. Is it? let us not forget that the Constitution of India is more supreme.

The preamble in the Constitution starts with, : "We the people of India ....". Why not we see

the positive side of the 12 day movement. For the first time, Indians have shown that people

can force, using absolutely NON-VIOLENT methods, the government and the electedmembers to listen to their voices. You should appreciate the discipline and the tolerance of

the thousands of people standing by Annaji, braving rain and sun.

from: Vijayaraghavan


Great Article. You said what I am have been thinking and saying to people. Unfortunately, no

one comments on such articles but write bogus stuff on other articles that support Anna's

movement. People complain that city streets are not clean but who is creating the garbage.

Unless, people stop creating garbage on streets, the cleaners can't be held accountable. It is

irony that the same Indian that creates garbage on the streets keeps garbage in the pocket

once he/she lands in a foreign country.

from: Sharad Jaikar


It's not something new which Anna Hazare has proposed. It's 40 year old bill , which was left

out without considering .Anna just reopened it for people's help. And as everyone knows this

alone doesn't stop corruption. Each of us is part of this corruption in small or large scale. So

its us we have to change

from: Coorg


The manner in which Anna Hazare bends the government is very unfortunate to see. I

personally feel that the success of Anna movement totally depended on the electronic media.

Electronic media seems to be biased; they have not objectively reported the things,due to this

reliability of electronic media goes down. This all movement of Anna Hazare was emotional

some times it looks irrational too. We must not underestimate our Constitution which was

written by very eminent persons like DR B.R.Ambedkar.

from: Milind kashidPosted on: Aug 29, 2011 at 14:19 IST

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Today so many people die in our country every day, do you really think one more would have

really affected anyone of us?

I don't feel so.

Anna has done something which will help nation building, will help Indians rise above

corruption. I believe in output and he has done it. Nobody was able to do it till now. If his

method was incorrrect, why was he supported all over the country?Even in corporate world, you have to twist and turn your actions. Nothing is 100% correct.

Important is you don't affect anyone negatively and result is positive.That's what Anna has

done for India.

from: shruti


Dear Manish, I can't understand your point. You mean to say that the members of the Team

Anna should corrupt themselves by becoming politicans to understand what a politician goes

through??

from: Nikhil


This is really not correct. I totally disagree with this article. Whatever Anna has done, it was

the need of the hour. To straighten a wire which is bent on left side, you bend it on right. But

it does not mean that your intention is to bend it towards right. And its not about few

thousand people at Ramlila maidan, the whole country has awaken.

I am totally in support of Anna.

from: Parveen Kumar


True in a lot of ways. If the democracy is not functioning, it should not be replaced by

oligarchy. Anna is Anna, and India, is India.

from: Chandra


Sir, It is very sad that unlike Anna you never ever given concrete answer to fight corruption.

No matter how absurd it is to imagine Lokpal bill fighting corruption. At least it is something

we Indians can work upon. Sorry but your point of view is nothing but trying defame Annaand his struggle. I guess you better think twice next time to put something in paper.

from: Rajeev Vashista


Well, I somewhat aggree with the author but the view point he is presenting doesn't work in

real scenario .. it is not that Anna Hazare has gone to fast without any talks with govt. He

tried a lot to convince govt abt the bill and he is right with his points. So govt would have

given a shot to his suggestion.. but it didnt do nothing. In the end that was the only way to get

the bill passed..and Kashmir issue and Lokpal Bill are way different.

from: Bhuvnesh Garg

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You are now a slave of rules and frameworks unless you get behind the context and intent

behind those rules, then validate current movement. Then you will realize how it

tremendously improves the principle behind democracy against the current crippled system.

from: Ankush


Many many 'democratic' societies have experienced tumultuous change as a result of social

movements and people not working within the system because the system didn't work for

them, but instead protesting it. When a democracy is not working for the people, it isn't

serving its function as a democracy. I don't see the author's argument of "if Anna Hazare can

do this, people can do the same thing to demand all sorts of other things and it won't be

accomplished through democratic government" as completely valid, because it's not just

Anna Hazare. It's all the people who support him, and only a cause with enough popular

support and importance is going to get to that point. And if a cause gets to that point, itdeserves governmental response. The response Hazare seems to be demanding is to get that

bill passed, and getting a bill passed is a democratic process. The people pressuring their

legislative representatives to pass something is how every democracy works.

from: Neethi


The author points out that the bill doesn't address everything about the corruption issue,

which is true, but all that means is that there needs to be more reform - not that the imperfect

reform shouldn't happen. So really, you can compare Hazare's methods to those of any other

movement pushing for change in a democratically governed society - from the Tea Party to

the women's suffrage movement. You're going to get this in any democracy. All it is is

evidence that India's democracy is alive and vibrant.

from: Neethi


"What will happen if people start similar agitations seeking to get their demands passed as

law within a given time?" I ask why should people resort to such agitation if the legislators do

their job with conscience. The pity in our so called democratic system is that it is not

democratic in the true sense. It turns into autocracy by the elected once the elections are over.Legislators get elected with the support of a meager percentage of votes cast leave alone the

total votes of a constituency. Once elected the legislators distance themselves from the

electorate and treat them with contempt. Many of them do not voice any opinion in the

House; they do not consult those who elected them if not all the electorates of the

constituency. Most of them voice the opinion of their leaders with loyalty with aim to get

'ticket' for next election. Thus the present system of the so-called democracy is a farce.

Millions of people protested over 12 days. It is movement not protest.

from: RNR Krishnan


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I am completely with you Ashish. I have complete faith in my constitution. I truly believe in

the system set up by the authors of constitutions. Yes corruption needs to be eliminated. But,

this bill does not guarantee that. Why not try to empower the existing laws against

corruption? How can we, being a democratic nation, instill such huge powers in the hands of

a single institution, Lok Pal and what if the members of this institutions have some other

selfish personal intentions? What are we putting at stake here?

from: Akanksha


Agitation was good. Response was good. Reaction from parliamentarians was good. All this

is healthy democracy. Fixing dates for results, dictating the end-result, painting all politicians

with same brush are bad. Despite differences mutual respect and self respect (INDIAN)is

expected. A spit on to the sky is sure to fall back on one who spat.

from: Padma


I support Anna Ji. Do you know the value of property(Land or Home)? It is going in Crores

but the register values are moving in Lakhs. Property owner asks for Half Cash and Half

Black Money. Where does these Black money go? From where they came from.

Anna is fighting to stop these. He is fighting for us. He is leading us in the right path to say.

He speaks the words from every INDIANS. If you are not supporting his methodoligies then

suggest a better way. Please dont hurt the one who try to do something good for Nation.I am

proud of INDIA and I am proud of ANNA who awaked the Nation.

from: Aravind


An excellent article Ashish. I think I emailed you as well and shared it immediately on

Facebook - the very reason being consolidation of all my thoughts and put as words and

compiled as a wonderful article. Thanks for writing such an article.Indeed the very reasons I

couldn't support Anna Ji are; 1. I myself have bribed (ofcourse out of demand not by will) for

getting my passport, driving license, not sure of the way my house registration, and several

times to the cops at the signals. Its all with this guilt realized the problem is in me more than

the Govt / their officials. 2. I was never able to accept the "demand of Team Anna" over the

supremacy of parliament and it's democracy. 3. I am sure most of the supporters wouldn't

have actually understood the intricacies of Jan LokPal bill and the complexities involved inimplementing it. 4. I strongly feel there is an urge for an Ambedkar now more than a Gandhi.

Hats off to you for publishing your view with valor at this time!

from: Muthukumar Ramamoorthy


The educated elite like many of us dont do anything concrete but keep discussing niceties &

procedures. The fact is after 60 yrs of independence our country is one of the most corrupt

but We have followed the parliamentary norms! forget the fact that many of the MPs have

criminal cases against them, many are relatives of past or present MPs & have their own axe

to grind.But these are as per parliamentary norms. The standing committee for lokpal billconsistes of Laloo & Amar Singh!!we needed someone to shake us up, in this nation of

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youths & Rahul baba brigade, led by a HONEST PM (who looks the other way when the

treasury is being robbed). yes we needed a 74 yr old retired Sepoy to show the way. If our

constitution (& the parliamentary processes)are so sacrosanct why have we amended the

constitution nearly 95 times till date. By the way US constitution which is 200 yrs old has

been amended less than 20 times.

from: Raman


I Agree with this article totally, this bill only is not going to help fight against corruption, lot

more things needs to be done, but this could be starting, what i fear is this protest may end

just with passing this bill.

from: Salauddin


Lot of people ask the question 'What is the alternative ?'. Here is the answer. The system ismade to facilitate people and not the vice versa. The problem of corruption lies within the

people who are fighting against it. The enemy is not the system but the people themselves. If

every individual pledges to abide by the rules no matter what then this problem would be

solved automatically, but the individuals in this case are so weak and dependent on the

system that even for governing their thoughts and actions they require a bill to be

implemented within the system. A sad truth but a core reality of India. People like Anna

support the system to make people more and more weak and dependent. I pity the people,

who do not realize this fact and the eventual fate of the country. What people need is not a

stupid bill which will only increase tax payers burden but an awakened and an active majority

of people who are righteous and collectively think of a nation.

from: Vivek


1) No institution got destroyed. No constitutional rules were broken. Parliamentary rules are

just procedures, not commandments. They can and should be bent to make the policy process

more efficient and responsive. 2) You have totally misunderstood parliamentary democracy if

you think the election should be the only way to influence policy. The force of public opinion

during the policy formulation process is a legitimate tool. 3) Why the heck are you hung on

Anna or whether he is comparable to Gandhi. That's a totally separate and (insignificant)

issue. The focus here should be on public opinion that demands a very strong anti-corruptionombudsman. 4) The civil society is dictatorial? Just one old man starving does not equate to

dictatorship. The true power behind this is public raising up for a common cause, the very

essence of democracy. It should be lauded. 5) Lastly, morality is personal. You cannot

legislate morality.

from: logan


Wonderful article!! Unless people change themselves nothing can stop corruption..

from: SriPosted on: Aug 30, 2011 at 22:45 IST

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It is easy to say that we should elect honest people to represent us in the Parliament. But can

an honest may really win an election, given the money power and muscle power which wins

elections? The laws are staked in favour of unscrupulous and dishonest people. The few laws

which can prevent such people from contesting elections are seldom enforced. Therefore I

support Anna when he says that the current breed of politicians do not represent the will of

the people, even though they may have been 'democratically' elected.

from: Birendra Singh Khosla


I have been hearing we cannot destroy our parliamentary system. But I would like to ask who

is destroying the parliamentary system ? Anna never demanded that his version of bill should

only be passed. He wanted that his bill should be discussed in the parliament and should be

passed as a law only after a thorough discussion in the parliament. It has been 40 long years

or even more, since the LOKPAL Bill is being discussed and nothing substantial was done.

The present government has been in power for 2 terms, 10 yrs but couldn't get this bill

passed. So for how long can we sit dormant waiting for the idealistic suituation to arrive ? Iagree with the point that getting this bill passed will not curb corruption completely but that

does not mean that we don't take a single step forward towards our ultimate goal of getting

rid of corruption. It was Anna's movement which galvanised the whole nation and reminded

the people of their daily misery dealing with corruption.

from: Ishan


Mr. Gupta.. what are you talking about undemocratic and this is not a one night thought thisbill is pending for last 42 years, if the parliament as u called it supreme is so aware of the

country crisis then it should have been passed long before without any protest, don't forget

that parliament consist of netas who themselves are not pure then how the parlianment can be

good, and for the last point they should contest election, then they will not be diffrent from

the others, they are not like them that's why they have done this, and you know very well that

a party MP who spent crores of rupees to buy the ticket to contest election and elected by

merely only 15-25% people will not do the goodwill of people or country.

from: Rahul


It is true we are living in democracy,but is this the mess our forefathres fighted for ? Forpassing a strict bill any type of opposition was called for from Politicians ? Democracy is

good, but it is not the best.We have elected them,but are they worthy, did we had any choice

? Anna was the leader and most of the people supported it.It is because of the mass support

politicians agreed other wise they are least bothered. One strict Lokayukta in Karnataka is

making the politicians and officers to think twice before doing any act.Two former Chief

ministers are in a row to go to jail, one minister is already there inside the jail,these things

show that a strict law is needed and such thing was not for the interest of these politicians and

that is why we did not have such kind of law till now. Regarding Parliment and proceedures it

is created for common good and the same need not be a hurdle.We have to come out of this

clerical mentality and support such type of movements when ever situation.

from: Rajendra Patil

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Gandhiji has gone for fast unto death only once and that is to deny separate electoral

constituencies and all the other times it is short time bound. If you say that you should use

democratic process yes it is right when democratically elected people understand it. Once

they get elected that is the end of democracy. They are trying to impose their own policies onpeople. If the top is clean the down the line becomes clean and if the top is corrupt the lower

level become corrupt. There is a need for change in the electoral process and recalling the

elected reps need to come. Before Arnold Schwarzenegger became the Governor of

California one person carried a signature campaign to oust the Governor.

from: B. P. Kamalkumar


Surprised to see so many HINDU readers aganist this article.To me the write make sense.lot

of people are clueless and merely following the mass. Awareness campaign on corruption

was fair enough,method is wrong. This is a democratic country and better than majority ofother countries.Grass is always greener on the other side.

from: ts


I have just one question to the author of this article and his likes: Is democracy confined onlyto the walls of the Parliament? I don't understand how a demand for change by the people, I

repeat the people, of the very parliamentary structures that have stunted and crippled our

society all along is undemocratic. By the way, have you heard of the French Revolution? Or

something closer home, the Independence Movement?

from: luhar sen


Great article, i must congratulate you for writing it so well.

from: Amit Rewari


This article is a classical example of how to write a treatise full of contradiction. The author

states that Gandhiji undertook fast against his own people when there was communal flare-up, or when his people killed Britishers, but refuses to accept that same can be undertaken by

Anna Hazare. The author takes offence and rightly so at Anna's statement that people of India

are not intelligent enough to vote the right candidate and yet he infers the same while stating

that the masses at Ram Lila were there for fun and picnic rather than supporting Anna's cause

against corruption. The author states that what if some vested group held same demonstration

for Kashmir freedom and Parliament may forced to cave in to those - well he is again

questioning the intelligence of Indians.

from: Amit Jha


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If you go in a crowd, it is difficult to get noticed, go against it, you stand out like a sore

thumb. That is the logic applied by the writer of this article. I cannot comprehend how

somebody who understands the problems in India can go against Anna, his team and millions

of supporters across the world. I am quite sad that a website of a national newspaper has

allowed such things to go on a public forum. I only want to add that what Anna has done is

an awakening of the souls that were dead, and those who didn't bother to vote. The netas whosupposedly represent us get their votes through the illiterate masses and not the ones who

matter.

from: Abhinav


Mr Gupta you are writing this article while sitting in an AC room and without seeing theground realities, difficulties, agonies, torture the ordinary villager has to face while running

from one office to another to get a electricity connection, ration card, voter card, SC ST

certificate, bank loan, crop insurance claim. Every one wants money for a slight job from the

applicant. So you just suggest how to get out of these difficulties. Please be kind to fellowcountrymen by giving your valued comments on what to do when your child gets admission

as you can pay donation but mine is left out as I cannot pay. One school principal asked me to

donate for a pick up van for the school, which I refused and they did'nt admit him, although

he was second in a list of 100 who took written test. Mr. Gupta come out of slumber do some

national duty by visiting the Rly stations, Motor Licencing Authority, Property Registration

Office, Income Tax, Sales Tax, Excise Duty, PWD. You will become Anna.

from: puran gandhi


I think annas fast is much gretaer than gandhiji fast as that was against one enemy, whereasthis fight is against corrupton which is backed by different politicians , bureaucrats ,

contractors, middlemen. This is a much tougher fight as this fight within the country as this is

anna's way

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