Hazaron for Hazare

So much has already been (and is being) written/debated/discussed/shown about the topic this year, that I initially wondered whether to write something on it or not.

But, then I thought let me put my two cents on the topic.

I will try to keep it short, but I am not sure if I will indeed be successful in that.

In my opinion, there is not one, but multiple issues related to the current episode.

1) Whether the manner in which Anna Hazare was tackled a day after the Independence Day was correct or not?

2) Whether the points appearing in the Lokpal version of Hazare are justified/valid or not ?

3) Whether the Central Government has tackled this issue in the last couple of months in the way it ought to or not?

Let's take point no. 1).

Anna Hazare was arrested early morning by Delhi Police Officers, who had surprisingly come in civilian dress, on 16th. The Government maintains that the decision was taken by the Delhi Police only, and that there was nothing wrong in it.

Now to believe that the Delhi Police will take an important decision all on its own is a bit difficult to accept. One would expect the Police to have done calculations about the potential backlash/effects arising out of this arrest, covered live by our Indian Media 24*7. 

Now, if it had done its homework, it should have been able to gauge the response from the public, the Media, the politicians, and others. In that case, it would definitely not have taken the decision on its own, just like it did not act on its own while barging on the night of 4th June in Ramlila Grounds !

And if the Delhi Police had not done its homework, then it is unfortunate and smacks of incompetency on the part of Delhi Police.

The manner of arrest, as well as the fact that he was arrested on very flimsy grounds, even before he could start his fast (which he is entitled to in our democracy) does not appear to put the Government in good light. 

In short: The manner of tackling Anna Hazare was incorrect, to say the least.

Now come to point 2). 

Corruption is a big issue, and luckily for us proponents of both versions of Lokpal admit so.

There are however differences on some aspects like whether the PM should be brought under Lokpal or not, whether the Lokpal should be given the power of prosecution or not, who should appoint the Lokpal, including some other issues. 

While one may debate on the relative merit of these points, disagreeing with the Hazare's version of Lokpal should not mean that one could blindly/automatically justify Government tackling him with such disdain. 

In the same logic, disagreeing with the Government's handling of the issue should not lead one to agree completely with the version of Hazare.

There is a difference in agreeing with the intent and agreeing with the person and whatever he says.

It appears amidst the present protests and the brouhaha surrounding it that people are not able to, or not differentiating between the two. There are certain contentious points in the Hazare's version, which could have an overreaching effects on our democracy and the way government functions. Differences or disagreement with the Government should not be a basis of siding with the other side on any issue. Every issue needs to be looked in the context of its pros and cons.

Accordingly there is a need to debate all contentious issues. The Government approach (sort of :We are the Boss, and accept whatever we propose), or the Anna Hazare's approach (sort of: either you agree with us completely, or we will continue to agitate) are both not correct.

If today it is corruption, tomorrow it may be some other topic on which someone else does the same thing. And that will have grave consequences.

Not only will it show Hazare in bad light and create difficulties for the administration, but it will also douse off the support by the common man. The common man will feel cheated if every issue manifests itself in the same manner.

In short: be more pragmatic.

Now the final point no. 3)

I will try to be very brief here.

One needs to only look at the comments coming from the Grand Old Party of India, and the Government. In April, if Hazare was good , he suddenly turns evil in July and August (ask Manish Tewary about it; he seems to be quite 'knowledgeable on this matter) !

Same was the case with Baba Ramdev as well. He was fine  in the morning (for Kapil Sibal, A K Anthony and Pranab Mukherjee), and thug in the evening (ask Digvijay Singh for more information !) !

I guess I will leave it upon you to decide the rest !