I acknowledge that corruption is an endemic crisis that plagues the institutions of India. That strong political activism and leadership are essential to rid this vicious problem. I also acknowledge that given the poor caliber of many politicians in India, strong consistent public pressure might be one of the most effective ways to instrument change rather than the futile efforts of electing better leaders. If you agreed with the previous statement then you don’t seem to hold much faith in a democracy, do you?
I see two hazards in the Hazare campaign. One is the bill itself. While certain provisions such as the inclusion of the Prime Minister and extended sentences are healthy, others I find are not. Chief amongst them is the Lokpals police powers and ability to register FIR’s. I can understand the need to give the Lokpal power to initiate proceedings in trial but to give it police power is to give it exemplary authority over individual freedom. Detainment and questioning are police powers that infringe on individual liberty. Also, it would be wise to remember that the Lokpal as the activists want it would be an organization that permeates deep into society. It would work at the grass roots. To involve the CBI directly with such an organization threatens to bring close government scrutiny into our personal lives. That might be ideal to stop corruption, but also opens a Pandoras box of problems.
The second pair of hazards that I worry about is the very manner in which the Lokpal might be brought to existence. In the early 1900’s we instituted protests similar to this against the British to demand independence. India is now a free sovereign democracy. To demand independence just as Mr. Hazare did or to threaten the government to either accept the bill or leave is unacceptable and a stain on our democracy. We elected this government to work with us the people, not to let individuals issue ultimatums to it. It would be also important to mention that a reason why the Indian protest has been largely non-disruptive, unlike the Arab spring is because of the democratic environment that exists. It allows a vent to social tensions. To undermine that democracy would be to threaten the existence of the Indian union. This is not a game to play who’ll blink first with. It would be wiser on the governments’ part to institute a referendum if one is possible. It would be wiser on Mr. Hazares’ part to stop making threats on my government and instead work with the parliament to get his version of the bill also introduced for a fair debate. Force to unilaterally accept the bill will ensure the failure of democracies safety mechanisms: deliberation with multiple views and addressing the threats I have mentioned in the prior paragraph.
It is amazing to see the vitality of activism in India. It is disheartening to see how many treat the constitution. The constitution was created by us the people and empowers our government to make laws, not individuals or civil society groups. They can maintain pressure but not so as much to undermine the functioning of democracy and working of the constitution. I realize the constraints in India, notably the lack of character in many politicians. I hope the civil society walks a tempered path realizing that their actions will have an impact on a whole generation who are beginning to treat the government as not their own. Crucially, play by the rules! The government is not a slave, it’s a servant. If you want to change it: Join it. Bring better blood in and destroy the hierarchy and political cloud that exists. In our efforts to get the best of both worlds (not being a political leader but demanding better politics), I hope we do not fall folly to the age old plagues of India. Seeking shortcuts, greed and hunger for power. It cost us in colonialism let it not cost us our democracy.
