Anna Hazare moved mountains

Whether India benefits from these monumental efforts are not can only be known after few years. But Anna projected the anger of Indian people through his fast. He united people from all religions, all states and all parties. For once the talk lead to some action. He has not reached the goal post yet but his actions have moved the docile, in different Indian masses to think and react to the issue of corruption. The wide spread support for the anti corruption movement has forced congress and other political parties to face the realities. May be India will finally get a Lok pal bill that meaningful and forceful.

Anna tactics: Is he justified in using fasting as a means to further his political demands? In Indian context, Satyagraha is an accepted and familiar tool. It conveys the selflessness of the movement and the righteous indignation of the people. However, it limits discussion and forces the views of few people. Again in Indian context of all politicos talking a good game and not acting has gone on for 65 years. So people will tolerate some distortions like Judicial activism and Anna's satyaghraha even if they are not truly in line with democratic process.

Will corruption die down: IN 1990 India introduced new electoral rules and election commission. Initially it was a big success and forced many parties to readjust. Cleaned up many elections and helped the electoral process a lot. However, over the years Parties adjusted to it and are now back on top with in the parameters of the electoral rules. Elections are not as bad as in 1970s and 1980s but elections are also not a real expression of ordinary Indian citizen. Similarly india may come out with an anti corruption law that will inhibit politicos in the short term. You can bet that politicos will rearm themselves and come back with newer methods and corrupt the system again. One can only hope that corruption's growth will slow down and it will allow some breathing room for ordinary citizen. However it may be too much to expect India to climb to top 20 countries of the world without corruption. That may take few more Anna hazare revolutions.

For now, I salute Anna Hazare for his valiant efforts. Go Anna.