It all started with a Jan Lokpal bill which is supposed to eradicate corruption and in Anna’s words “upto 65% can be reduced”. Then started the blackmail of fast, to accept all points of civil society. The stupid government, then, arrested Anna and created an unrest which can shake the very roots of our democracy, in which media has played a great role.
There is a talk about a change, but is this the change we are expecting? All these people on streets, the morchas, are they for the corruption to be removed by a single law?
Before we change the system, we have to think how we can change ourselves. We don’t think even a wee bit to get things done via bribe. We are all hypocrites: on one hand we want corruption to be removed but at the same time if it affects us then we give bribes and get away with it.
It is easy to blame the government that it not doing anything. But where were all these people during elections, when they were not voting or voted the wrong people to power. Every time we walk through a dug up road, we will pass comment saying corruption is eating up the road but no one will take action. In Mumbai the number of cars is increasing, people walk on the road since their space is occupied by hawkers. But we also buy stuff from these hawkers and that is why they have increased. We find new ways to evade all taxes, save VAT, avoid custom, import, octroi and also pay bribes to achieve this Its easy to blame the system. Isn’t it a crime to cross railway tracks? Bridges are built, but still people use tracks since they are in hurry. There is a law to punish these people but they pay fine and cross the tracks the next day. In this case, if people don’t care for their lives then how will one lokpal bill will change everything and reduce corruption? How will this bill change the attitude of people?
Also, let’s not forget the role of the media who has been more than proactive to track Anna and team and give details of everything they do. For the media there is no difference between Anna and Rakhi Sawant. They will do whatever it takes, to get eyeballs.
Call me cynic but I am realistic. The drama should end. There were multiple solutions present with both government and Anna’s team. Government on its part reluctantly discussed the bill with Anna’s team and got it to the Parliament. Anna’s team should have scored a small victory with passing the bill and pursuing with the government for amendments to it. Even if the Government agrees to all the changes, it would be tough for the Parliament to pass it. Then Anna will again go on fast and into a cyclic loop. If Anna and his team have the faith and really want to change something, they should form a party and we will support them to power and then they can pass the bill without any hindrance.
Till then the saga continues …..
