Anna Hazare : Is political power to the Civil Society a thre...

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21 Aug 2011 33 comments Anna Hazare : Is political power to the Civil Society a threat to Democracy ? There is debate raging, or perhaps more than debate -a revolution -seething in India that could redefine the relationship between a People and its democratically elected Parliament and Government. Does Power once given to the elected Government and Parliament for its term ( in India 5 years) effectively take all Power away from the Citizens of India over governance for that period ? The movement led by Anna Hazare who is on a hunger strike right now to institute his version of a long standing bill in Parliament that will put a Civil Society watchdog over the workings of the Parliament has caught the imagination, and huge support amongst the aspirational and educated class in India. A class that has so far been content to be part of the great hope of better standards of living through economic growth. A class that is often accused of not even voting, is now coming out in droves on the streets to be heard. To be heard against what they see as the greatest cancer that exists in India. One that is not only unfair, unjust, illegal, but patently immoral. The cancer of corruption. While the Government and the economists tout growth rates in the economy as a show of success, the people feel that those in the Political Class and others with access to the political class have unfairly usurped a far far larger share of the potential growth in India. Not only that, they have, under the watch and encouragement of the Political Classes, stolen huge wealth in terms of mineral resources and public money from India for themselves. A large share of which goes back to the Political Classes and so the cycle continues. The Government has been caught off guard. Not used to being challenged like this by the people who it thought politically uncommitted. Already facing an armed insurrection by the so called rural maoists in rural and tribal areas. The so called Middle Class is considered in any democracy the biggest supporters of stability. Once who will not shop to take to the streets. Simply because they have too much to loose through disruptions. Well, they have. And a Government is floundering. While the Opposition has chosen to actively support the movement, it seems just a ploy to flog the current Government. It remains to be seen what teeth the Civil Society bill called the Jan LokPal Bill the opposition will finally vote for too. Are they willing to curtail themselves if they form the Government ? Ask any Indian what the greatest problem they have faced all their lives, and will continue to fact all their lives, and they will say that one word Corruption. It touches us all on a day to day, sometimes hour to hour basis. We have learnt to live with, and more dangerously, accept it as part of our culture. We have learnt to condone it and many see it as their only way to economic success. But very high profile cases within the Government in power, assuming mind boggling numbers in a Nation where half of the population lives below the poverty lines staggered the nation and caused huge outcry. Not only because of the scale of corruption. But because the sheer arrogance with which the Political Classes in collusion with their associates have been looting the country. Has the Political class in India become so arrogant in its assumption of Power that it sees itself as unquestionable and above the law ? Have the assumed checks and balances within a Parliamentary broken down ? Is the Political class as a whole corrupt ? Why is the greatest (and public) defence of the Government in Power against charges of corruption from the Opposition YOU DID IT TOO ! There is a serious loss of faith in the Political System amongst the people. That is very very dangerous. Not just from the dispossessed, but from the educated, not just the jobless but from those that have taken leave from their jobs to join the mass protest. Is this the begininngs of the break down of the Democratic System as many suggest ? I would argue that it is not. I would argue that this is an evolution in Democracy. The Indian Democratic System was adapted from its former colonial masters, into a brilliant but adaptive Constitution. But the system installed to support the fundamentals of the Constitution were designed for Indias population at time of Independence. A mere 350 million. For a demographic far far older than we are now. No one at that time could have dreamt of a nation of 1.2 Billion people with 60 % of the population below 25. Soon India will hold 15% of the worlds teenage population. Indias Political, Social, Judicial systems could not have predicted a a young, aspirational, entrepreneurial,

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technologically adept population we have today. They could not have predicted that at the end of each 5 year political term, the world would be barely recognizable. Indias endemic corruption is not a cultural imperative. It is the result of a slow, unresponsive, antiquated system that is at odds with challenges of Modernity. A system protected by those that are personally benefiting from it at the cost of the aspirations of the People of India. Forgetting that the first words of the Indian Constitution are not WE THE GOVERNMENT or WE THE PARLIAMENT, but : WE THE PEOPLE OF INDIA I support Anna Hazare and a strong version of the Jan Lokpal Bill provided that in its execution it does not become as squeaky as a massive old door that consistently need to be oiled and pushed to make it budge as many of the rest of Indian systems. The Principles of Democracy are not changeable. But the systems supporting them must be willing to change and adapt.
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33 Responses to Anna Hazare : Is political power to the Civil Society a threat to Democracy ?
1. mittal says: August 21, 2011 at 2:30 pm I agree! 2. Harb says: August 21, 2011 at 2:30 pm I think the following two posts of mine do full justice to your supporting of Anna Hazare. These in a way show personality of Anna Hazare in a grander perspective: http://www.bigtamasha.com/2011/08/anna-at-rajghat-bigtamasha-commentary.html http://www.bigtamasha.com/2011/08/bharat-ratna-for-anna.html 3. davidbelowed says: August 21, 2011 at 2:31 pm Dear All, Capitalism is not the cause of black markets and corruption. Scarcity of capital is the cause. When there is a shortage of wealth we cannot prevent corruption. Where the population is large and wealth scarce, people find ways and means to own wealth; they care little for the right ways and means. If you want to do away with corruption, then stop worrying about corruption, because corruption is a byproduct. We have nothing to do with it. But all the politicians, all the saints, are busy fighting corruption. They say, We are determined to end corruption. But the real problem is different it is lack of wealth. Corruption is the natural consequence of poverty. If there are a thousand persons here and there is food enough only for ten, do you think there will be no attempts at procuring food through stealing? Bribery, corruption and black marketing only prove the fact that there are too many people and too little goods. We refuse to understand this simple fact. Corruption is not a disease, it is just a symptom of a disease which is deep-rooted. When a man has a fever, it is said that he is down with fever. Fever itself is taken for the disease. But in reality fever is a symptom, an indication of some deep disorder in the physiology of the man who is running a temperature. Similarly, corruption is a symptom of a social disease poverty. But the politician and the priest believe that corruption can be ended without caring for production and population control. They say that God is sending more and more men to this earth. If God is responsible for our increasing population, then he is the most corrupting factor today, because corruption grows with the growing population. We have to restrict, even to stop this ever-flowing gift of God. We have to tell him, Enough is enough; we dont need more men. And if you send more, then give to each one of them ten acres of land and a factory to work with. People are not immoral, as the priests and politicians would have us believe. It is the situation that is immoral. No man is immoral. Really, man is neither moral nor immoral, but the situation is immoral. And a person can be moral in an immoral situation if he strives hard, but then his whole life will be wasted in the very effort. He will not be able to do anything else. He will somehow save himself from being immoral. He will, with tremendous effort, suppress the temptation to steal; that is all he will achieve. So it is a question of changing the situation, because really the situation is immoral. No amount of anti-corruption campaigns are going to succeed if the situation is not changed. But if production grows and wealth is plentiful, corruption will go by itself. Nobody will steal if there is an abundance of wealth in the society. Dr. David Timothy. 4. Venkatachalam says: August 21, 2011 at 2:32 pm The only job of a proper government is to act as a policeman to protect our rights. The only justifiable arms or branches of the government are the courts to settle disputes amongst men, Police to arrest criminals and the Army to guard us from foreign invaders. There can be fixed body of law which restrains the government to these functions leaving the people to produce. Laws cannot take away Mans individual rights. 5. Anil says:

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August 21, 2011 at 2:32 pm Article reflects reality, true understanding of people in India. However it is not just a middle class uprising. By calling it so many people may not open their mind, opinion for just not to get counted in middle class. In reality as well, it is not limited to middle class. From KG to PG, from auto-driver to Pilot, from worker to chairman all are involvd. I am also following you on twitter and would like to thanks you for your continuous guidance. Thanks. 6. Alkesh Kansal says: August 21, 2011 at 2:32 pm Well written Sir.. I will like to draw attention of my countrymen that why the govt is turning deaf ears to our demands. Most likely the reason behind should be they (ruling party) knows that nothing can outpower them except elections which will be held after very long 3 years. rather accepting peoples demand can cut short their term to mere 6 months. I want to raise some serious questions about the accountability of our politicians? Mere going to elections after much looting the country for good 5 years? Even then they can win spending money ( a few percent of looted in 5 years) . So what if there is so hue and cry in the public?? There is much scope in changing our electoral system to make them accountable even much before the elections. 7. Ravi G says: August 21, 2011 at 2:33 pm I think corrupt politician are the biggest threat to our beloved country, and civil society is posing a great threat to these corrupt politicians and bureaucrats, hence they dont want Annas version of JLPB passed. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat Mata Ki. 8. Ram Varma says: August 21, 2011 at 2:35 pm On the contrary: it would be a boon, as we have come to realize now through the current movement! The present Government has indeed floundered in handling the situation and it has only strengthened Annas team of followers. More than a break down of the democratic system, I would say that this is streamlining the system and aligning it along the proper tracks. The fight is not against the government but against corruption, against the system. The sooner the UPA realize it, the better, else it would become the Un-progressive Political Avatar of all time! 9. Arun Prabhu says: August 21, 2011 at 2:35 pm Hits the nail on its head! Our reluctance to change means a first mover is often criticized, even when s/hes right. Indians should shake off their argumentative, analysis-paralysis approach to issues political most importantly, get off their backsides to support a true cause. The right means will then evolve as you rightly put Shekar. Kudos 10. Omen says: August 21, 2011 at 2:36 pm Excuse Me Sir! It is this Civil Society that make the government and member of parliament. If they can make the parliament they can also make the decision to make the correct law. It was this parliament that did not make the law for over 40-50 years and now when we make it they call it threat to democracy? Dont underestimate the knowledge of the citizens, they know what is right and wrong, has there been a mass movement of this kind for a wrong cause? 11. Rahul says: August 21, 2011 at 2:37 pm This is the most enlightening article that i have read over the power given to civil society 12. Alkesh Kansal says: August 21, 2011 at 2:40 pm We, the people of India has started thinking and feeling like a slave to politicians. What an irony that We vote to choose such a bunch of dacoits to rule and loot us. Now though India has awakened and know his rights still we are not left with any option to choose it from less or more corrupt. 13. Pawan says: August 21, 2011 at 2:42 pm please read the link above. I agree this is evolution in Democracy. Or call it democracy being re-instated. https://www.facebook.com/notes/pawan-kumar-sharma/united-we-stand-divided-we-fall/10150265445160208

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love Pawan 14. Preojet says: August 21, 2011 at 2:43 pm I deeply from my bottom of my heart respect Anna hazare ji, he single handedly spearheaded the fight against corruption & has ignited fire in common mans heart. He changed the mindset of the people bt he is adamant on his demands. We all want corruption free India but not keeping our democracy at stake. Everyone in democracy has the right too express his/her views but cant force the government to adopt & implement it. Corruption is a issue which need special attention & will not go in a day nor it has come. 15. Devendra says: August 21, 2011 at 2:45 pm Thank you for writing such a boiling article and to support anna ji 16. Prashant Narayan says: August 21, 2011 at 2:46 pm i am a 27 year old middle class guy, my dads retired from a job, my moms a teacher and we have a bajaj chetak and a maruti alto.as i said quintessential middle class. ill just put across my reply in easy to read points a) the youth(we) have a huge identity crisis, we are always dissatisfied with our jobs (unlike our parents whove known the value of duty) we change jobs every year, we are in constant need of an alibi to feel important, so all this participation in this movement etc is the easiest thing to do , as easy as fwding a joke on sms. and spending a sunday at the movies. hell we even dont have to pay to protest. and i know for sure we dont value our time so much. b) anna hazare is 2 generations older than the average indian today, i dont think he represents me, i dont think the congress represents me either, but so doesnt anna. the congress atleast puts up its hand to run the government. anna is just having a fling. the media and eminent personalities like you should stop thinking for us, and its time for the working class to go do a good days work, feel happy about it, be honest to oneself and then look outside at corruption and stuff. gandhiji fought a mindset, anna is just fighting a symptom, and making a big deal out of it. 17. Shalini says: August 21, 2011 at 2:46 pm I absolutely agree with each word in this article. The government, Parliament etc can never be above the people. 18. Vishal Sharma says: August 21, 2011 at 2:47 pm Indias endemic corruption is not a cultural imperative. It is the result of a slow, unresponsive, antiquated system that is at odds with challenges of Modernity. . Very rightly said. It is not that we support Annas Janlokpal bill or Anna or Govt. version..It should be how we address need of change in every system, effecting present of masses with scope to accommodation of measurable future? - Vishal 19. mrudula says: August 21, 2011 at 2:50 pm Brilliant! tks for posting 20. Mones says: August 21, 2011 at 2:51 pm Indian revolution was unlike the russian in india post independence landlords and other people who were affluent joined indian politics & used it for their convinience slowly it became legacy and made this there r some countries in world which have no written constitution indian constitution should be according to people of india not usa or uk. 21. Anshuman Sinh says: August 21, 2011 at 2:57 pm Nice article Sir but please do not term corruption as cancer as there is no cure for cancer. Corruption can be eradicated. We are on the right path 22. Varun says:

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August 21, 2011 at 2:57 pm Sirji, bill toh padh lo ek baar. Idologies are alright. The intent might be right but Jan Lokpal Bill can not be the panacea. Heres the bill: http://is.gd/PaR7vP. Have a look at the absolute powers to the watchdog. Can anyone guarantee that someone appointed by a bunch of unaccountable civil society can be incorruptible or lead us to a future like that of Pakistan or Myanamar? 23. rajan mehrotra says: August 21, 2011 at 3:03 pm Shekhar, I hv watched u on diffrent platforms snce last few mnths n m sure tat the tym has come tat u look fr a still larger canvass than cinema n tat is PEOPLE. Ur thots r logical n sincere and I hope u find a medium to reach d ppl acorss the length n breadth of this country n they can feel, see n respond to yr sincerity. Jai Ho!! 24. Rakesh says: August 21, 2011 at 3:10 pm The countdown to acceptance of jan lokpal bill has began.As a citizen of this country its our duty to differentiate between justice and injustice.personally no matter what i want to see jan lokpal bill type solution. once we have this bill passed successfully we can further think about rampant corruption is various other fields like media,arts,sports etc. 25. Ameya Nisal says: August 21, 2011 at 3:48 pm Mr.Shekhar Kapur, WIth all due respect, I think your thoughts and support are slightly blended with a mix of government and corruption which seems slightly misg-guided and biased. I do not think that the public coming on streets are the people who are only educated and who do not care about the votes. These people are the victims of corruption, irrespective of the class, caste, sex or social status. These are the people who have been encountered in several instances daily with corruption in every other aspect. Speaking about constitution, and democracy fundamentally I would like to point out some concepts of democracy, being a economics post-graduate. If democracy is by the people, of the people and for the people, then they surely enjoy the right to even amend the rights which are in the welfare and interest of the society at large. I really do not think there in any point debating about dome unforeseen consequences before even presenting the bill in the parliament. If the government is shying away even from presenting a public consensus of few lakh people, forget about their acumen and ability to tackle the millions and their social and security issues. The people who would protest to this bill or even try to thin about the amendments surely have reservations about the back-door entry to get work done, which would in-turn breed the next generation of corruption. The corruption has to be eradicated from the mindset, which would be the biggest driver to pull in the reforms to the fullest extent. The uproar of the public is not Anna Hazare as a personality, but a ray of hope to bring in revolution in the system. How to take this revolution is the challenge which should be willingly accepted by the government. There is no question of an opposition party or the ruling party. Everyone will be grilled in it for a unethical performance. That is what would bring a complete paradigm shift in the functionality and create a completely effective system for the true welfare of the society. Jai Hind! -Ameya Nisal 26. Neeraj Pant says: August 21, 2011 at 3:51 pm I am totally aligned to your views, Shekhar. Civil society reponse that is being manifested in response to corruption is like how a human system responds to an antigen in which enters our body. Therefore ww must keep our body strong enough to keep fighting this antigen until its dies otherwise we might succumb to its virulence. The politicians have taken their sustinance as their birthright hence they are avoiding this potential threat (jan lok pal bill). This so called constitutional process is not carved on stone. Even if it is, it is now time to burry the stone. Let there be a true Governance by the people. Jai Bharat! Neeraj 27. Anubhav Bhargava says: August 21, 2011 at 4:29 pm I agree with you sir completely. Can you throw some light on certain apprehensions about the Jan Lokpal bill too. Like it is a Superman like body. It will have immense power. In a way it will become a autocratic institution in itself.

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MindChirp says: August 21, 2011 at 4:36 pm Civil societys voice is definitely not a threat and in fact a boon. PM and government should thank Teams Anna in highlighting pulse of the nation in a non-violent manner & expedite things. Everything has a life and ages with time. One must ring out the old and ring in the new. Laws too. Parliament has the supreme power is being quoted with arrogance by the government. That needs to change since power comes with responsibility which must not be shirked. Last but not the least, most important contribution of this movement may be more a bill or a low. It is the people & the youth becoming an active participant instead of passive ones. And hopefully a streamlined process for civil society to participate on continuous basis in making laws during the 5 years.

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Pradyumna Sahasrabhojanee says: August 21, 2011 at 4:40 pm Government sponsored responses to Annas Agitation have finally brought to the front very fundamental issues regarding our Democracy and its functioning. There is an urgent need for public debate & referendum on these fundamental issues 1) Do people believe that the Parliament really represents the people and serves their interests? 2) Is our electoral system a cleverly manipulated sham that favours the ruling clans / political parties? 3) Would direct elections without party nominations; and a Party-less National Government directly responsive to the peoples aspirations serve the National Interest in a better manner? 4) Is the present form of our Democracy a new Avtaar of former feudal & colonial regimes rolled into one deadly concoction? 5) Is the Governments Reform Agenda free from influence of the Foreign Hand? Doesnt IMF control the nations economy through its blue eyed boys in the Planning commission? 6) Is exploitation in the name of Development in the long-term National Interest? Is the uninterrupted sustainability and the very survival of the Indian Civilization at stake because of this? Team Anna efforts and public response to their agitation have given us a hope to tackle such fundamental questions. Honest deliberations on these questions are urgently needed to cleanse and reform the system! From: Pradyumna Sahasrabhojanee, Email: Sahasrabhojanee@gmail.com

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MindChirp says: August 21, 2011 at 4:45 pm Last but not the least, most important contribution of this movement may be more than passing a BILL or a LAW. It is the people & the youth becoming an active participant instead of passive ones. And hopefully a streamlined process for civil society to participate on continuous basis in making laws during the 5 years.

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Naresh-Canada says: August 21, 2011 at 4:48 pm Hazaaron mein Hazare, Lakhon mein Hazare, Croreroon mein Hazaare, HIndustaan Mein Hazaare, Per, Kya her Hindustani Mein hai Hazare? Kya Aap hain Hazare? This Is My Question,

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Venkatachalam says: August 21, 2011 at 5:58 pm http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-655223

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sayantan mukherjee says: August 21, 2011 at 6:33 pm may b its a threat , may b bot ..bt i luv ths threat ..bcozits a threat to democracy, its a threat to king of democrats..d so calld{politicians}..

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