My sincere apologies to the die hard Anna supporters. I have always professed my appreciation of the issues that Anna raises. But I am not on the same page when it comes to the methods he adopts. He however, is as free as anyone else, to pursue his methods. But they should be based on mutual respect and within the framework of our robust democracy.
I felt that Anna has always had that streak of autocracy in him. Beneath the Gandhi topi rests a very authoritarian mind. It has surfaced before when he dismissed Digvijay Singh as one fit for the mental asylum and is now once again very much visible when he points his pudgy fingers and rolls his eyes and says that those MP’s who have opposed his Jan lok Pal bill, should be identified and then harassed by virtue of “gheraoing” their residence. I consider that as utterly Hitlerian in attitude. This reflects that he is not willing to see any opposition to what he considers is the ultimate truth-either my way or the highway approach. Anna fails to realize that we are a free and a democratic nation and like him, each citizen f India has the right to his own opinion! Why should Anna attempt to “terrorize” others into toeing his line?
I find this ridiculous to the core. Why does he utter diktats? Are we living in a country ruled by Emperor Anna? If the MP’s have not favoured his bill, so what? And why not? They may have a reason for it.Even otherwise, they are free citizens of a free nation. Who is Anna to pass a Pheronic judgment? I have always feared that the so called Gandhians have always betrayed a different hue when they are in their own elements. And this is what bothers me . Anna and his team have bulldozed their way to fame. Yes, the government played further into their hands by mismanaging the Anna fast and the proposed Jan LP Bill. Anna, the simple man from the village, suddenly was propelled to the International pedestal at such a felicity that he probably wondered if he was enjoying a Midsummer Night’s dream or was he Anna in wonderland! Suddenly, he realizes that he carries a clout more powerful than the politician! And then, the thrill of wielding it! Step on it…tells the heart! And this is where I see a conflict between the heart and the mind of a septuagenarian! Not to mention some over zealous advisers who are eager to cash on his growing fame and stature!
But as citizens of India who feel that India is going through very trying times, we feel that Anna needs to exercise caution and wisdom. He has to ensure that the masses who are trusting him are not betrayed by his attitude. India stands at a cross road which is very crucial. We could go in any direction. Anna has raised the issue of corruption and the performance of MP’s. Both are very vital and should not be allowed to fizzle away. He needs to reign in his autocratic leanings and become a Gandhian in a true Gandhijis spirit. Anna, the nation needs you. I know that 73 years is too old an age to change, but still for the sake of the movement that you have initiated, bridle your instincts and adopt flexibility ….at least till the time you have belled the cat!!
I do hope that a fresh diktat is not issued to gherao the write of this blog!
2 comments:
You've hit the nail on the head, Abdullah Bhai. Very well written, but I wish you had also touched upon his RSS-leanings. There is a great interest that RSS is taking in his methods of mobilising public opinion, which they can emulate for pushing their own agenda whenever the time comes. There is a strong whiff of a Sangh conspiracy behind the ostensible noble cause that this cunning old man is espousing.
Indeed, we do suspect that. However, I am still open if his public stance is that we need to vote against the corrupt. Irrespective of the political party he belongs to. Till as long as Anna does not incline towards any political/non political party, I am ok with him.
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