It was a mature India that did not waste its time at the ‘rally’ in Mumbai where Team Anna was making the same demands. It was rather odd that the ‘messiah’ cited failing health and extreme climactic conditions as reasons for calling off his fast and the nationwide “jail bharo” agitation. The Mahatma never used such excuses to stall his andolan. Many lessons should have been learnt from this odd show. The real face of Anna Hazare’s brigade had begun to unfold, and television channels were left stumped.

The real issue hinges upon whether the lok pal, or ombudsman, should be a constitutional entity or just another institution that could degenerate into becoming partisan and corrupt. It, therefore, seems right to amend the Constitution and make provisions for a constitutional body with stringent safeguards. As an alternative, some existing laws could be amended to suit the changing times. There should be immediate administrative and judicial reforms, and a pledge to ensure transparent governance within a corrected operating system. The superficial debate surrounding the lok pal bill, and the sound bites on television that are far from being comprehensive, are some of the reasons why the people are anxious about the priorities that govern the formation of a lok pal.

The political class is disastrous. It shouts in Parliament instead of speaking. This sort of behaviour betrays a guilty mindset. It would much rather raise its voice against change than allow a Constitutional amendment. Having lived off the taxpayers’ money and indulged in the worst kind of ‘corrupt’ practices, this class has shown itself to be self-serving and inappropriate for governing a country that is yearning for good leadership. India needs transparent infrastructure and services to make everyday life conducive to competent entrepreneurship and collective growth. It needs substantive changes in the living standards of the people and the morality of the political class.

High time

The mask that most politicians hid behind has been removed, leaving India betrayed. The people will bring in change and are bound to hit back through the ballot. It seems to make increasing sense to dissolve Parliament after the forthcoming state assembly elections and go to the polls to elect a new government at the Centre. It is time the Congress looked beyond hanging on to power till the end of its destructive term. It will be better off leading the Opposition at a time when the treasury benches are severely fractured with numerous ‘warring’ factions. It can then pressurize the new government to deliver changed laws and acts, and enact radical reforms. It can do to the new dispensation what was done with a vengeance to the United Progressive Alliance over the last two years. A pitch should be made for the future when an absolute majority may become easier to achieve because the people of India will have had enough of shallow politics.

Speaking to people outside the comfortable living rooms of Delhi (and I dare say, other metropolitan cities as well) betrays a strong desperation for change. Old men and women are not acceptable in positions of governance anymore — even if they have steady gaits. They have no creativity and their predictable ideas are caught in a time warp. Age has become a ‘priority’ — this country is finally ashamed of the aged people in key positions. Why are these elected (and sometimes unelected) ‘leaders’ glued to their seats of power? Why do they not resign? Why do India’s politicians have this overriding greed to rule?

The political parties of this young nation are made up of ancient men and women. It is high time they handed over the baton of governance to young successors with grace and dignity.