Team Anna members have ended their indefinite fast and they are now discussing strategy for evolving a political alternative in line with their plans to take a plunge into electoral politics. The reading seems to be that Team Anna is changing strategy—from dharnas and indefinite fast as a means of protest to entering the hallow portals of politics itself. Having created a movement of sorts with their approach of appealing to the conscience of people and using this to put pressure on the political system—the government, Parliament and political parties, this decision to look for a political alternative is indeed interesting. There will be a lot of debate in the days ahead on whether this change of approach is the right one in the context of the fight against corruption, after all this is what Anna Hazare’s movement is about—to change the system, bring in a strong Lokpal Bill and make our government more accountable and transparent. In short the Anna Hazare movement is about cleansing politics, reforming the system and ensuring accountability and probity in public life. Now the question remains whether this move of Team Anna to enter politics by forming a political party or whatever will actually pay dividend to the goals set out as mentioned above. Or in other words whether Team Anna should have continued with their present stand—to act as a moral force and put pressure on the system from outside?
To answer these questions, we need to perhaps see what kind of impact; Anna Hazare’s movement has had on the political and government system. To cite one instance, a special session of Parliament was held wherein resolutions were passed in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha supporting Anna Hazare’s three demands i.e. citizen’s charter, inclusion of lower bureaucracy and creation of Lokayuktas in the States. While this is no mean achievement, perhaps more significant is the awakening of people’s consciousness and the realization that in a democracy it is the will of the people which is paramount. The manner in which the political establishment, cutting across parties and Parliament, was made to literally bow down to the demands of the Anna Hazare campaign, goes to show that if people remain vigilant, united and actively take part in the running of our democracy, then these are the best checks and balances against abuse of power and corruption. And while, Anna Hazare’s dream Lokpal bill has yet to be passed but media reports show that its effects are already being felt. Across the country, there have been reported instances of government officials being extra careful about their actions or people pledging not to pay bribes anymore. Further the Prime Minister has himself announced a slew of administrative reform measures to cleanse the system. Anna Hazare has definitely raised consciousness. Corrective actions have begun.
However much more has to be done. If Team Anna decides to change track and enter the political fray, the mass movement against corruption will become rudderless and lose steam. While the thought of joining politics is a decision that Team Anna will have to take a final call on, they should be aware of the danger of getting co-opted into the corrupt system and officialdom. Once inside the system, the freedom to change will be constricted. The burden of running the country, political stability, coalitions, populism, upholding the rule of law etc. can usurp the noble ideals that Team Anna had set forth. Perhaps what Team Anna should know is that the groundswell of support they have received over the last few years is because of the trust and goodwill ordinary people have on them and the cause they represent—against corruption and which is essentially anti-establishment. If the fight against corruption is about changing the system, perhaps the better way to do this would be from the outside.
