Let's Talk, PM tells Team Anna

As the drama of Anna vs the government over the Jan Lokpal Bill continues to unfold, i am stunned into introspection. After more than 100 hours of Anna's fast at the Ramlila Grounds, the crowds continue to throng with alacrity, the support spreads to more and more cities across the country and the government continues to meander within a jigsaw puzzle. First it was "to arrest or not to arrest" and then swiftly followed by "to release or not to release". And now the ambiguity and wishy-washiness of whether to pacify or to remain arrogantly resolute. It would appear to the layman that the government is not a single, cohesive unit but a melange of widely divergent opinions and voices. Some may want to rejoice, as one is wont to do in the face of a confused enemy, being suggestive of one step away from victory. However, is the ambivalent state of mind not the case with the protagonists, with its supporters, of the show as well?

Consider for a moment this. Is the real issue corruption or even the lokpal bill? Is that the driver of the tide of supporters? While Anna may be a man of great simplicity and un-corruptible value systems, how many in the well-meaning mob, can claim that. Very few, i suspect. If that be true, is this is a case of all and sundry seeking a vicarious and one-shot approach to catharsis? Or is it that we wish to commandeer the right of claiming to our grandchildren, we were there, if at all the movement would turn historic. Most of us who have preferred to stay indoors are perhaps too keenly aware of their sins and abject surrender of morality over the relentless journey between birth and death.

The real issue, i think, lies beyond corruption.The huge support for Anna, could be symptomatic of the breakdown of the democratic system of governance. The pyramidal structure with aam aadmi who send their elected representatives to Parliament on their behalf, cascading upwards into the prime minister, for governing the country, is clearly not working. The two-way communication channels have virtually collapsed, whether it be because of the arrogance of the governerment or apathy of the governed, and appear somewhat ill-conceived today. No wonder, the Gandhian way of shaking and waking up the system are back in vogue.

So, carry on Team Anna and we will get the right bill to fight corruption. However, i will move on to the next day with the fervent hope of a constructive debate for a more contemporary and effective system of democratic governance.