Both Anna and Baba display shocking ignorance of the working of a representative democracy. Both want death penalty for the corrupt, a savage demand, given the fact that capital punishment is a highly controversial debate world over. Both lack proper formal education. Both are ambitious, trying to use the name and success they earned in their respective areas of activity to claim a national profile, far beyond their intellect and capabilities.
Anna could command more credibility perhaps because all of us like our leaders to be old, pious and poor. Baba is young, rich, stylish in his own way and flamboyant – the combination that suggests an instant scam. Things that we secretly aspire for, but loathe in others, especially in our leaders.
But I like the Baba more than Anna. Anna has achieved something extraordinary in his village. But he has failed or did not bother to scale it up to other places. He drifted from one issue to other and finally landed up in the alien territory of lawmaking. He had the backing of international agencies and media.
The Baba is self-made man who became an international figure in just 15 years flat after he left his village. Puritans deride his yoga, but he is a genius as far as discovering the market potential of the ancient practice is concerned. But for his ill-informed adventure into politics, Baba Ramdev is one of the biggest successes of free market India.
From India, Madras
1Anna could command more credibility perhaps because all of us like our leaders to be old, pious and poor. Baba is young, rich, stylish in his own way and flamboyant – the combination that suggests an instant scam. Things that we secretly aspire for, but loathe in others, especially in our leaders.
But I like the Baba more than Anna. Anna has achieved something extraordinary in his village. But he has failed or did not bother to scale it up to other places. He drifted from one issue to other and finally landed up in the alien territory of lawmaking. He had the backing of international agencies and media.
The Baba is self-made man who became an international figure in just 15 years flat after he left his village. Puritans deride his yoga, but he is a genius as far as discovering the market potential of the ancient practice is concerned. But for his ill-informed adventure into politics, Baba Ramdev is one of the biggest successes of free market India.
From India, Madras
Its NOT a question of either Anna or Baba (Anna Vs Baba). Its a question of PEOPLE OF INDIA vs UGLY POWERS OF POLITICIANS & BAD GOVERNANCE...........One doesnt compare a Bhagat Singh to Sukhdev or Rajguru or Chandrashekar Azad............the objective is ONE even if people have their own ways of reaching it.
What has Anna or Ramdev has to the Government afterall?????????.........Give us TRANSPARENCY AND CLEAN GOVERNANCE....THATS IT.
And the Powers to be are using all their money and might to subdue the VOICE OF THE COMMON MAN IN INDIA......through media, through Forums and though false propaganda............BUT UNFORTUNATELY THE PEOPLE OF INDIA HAVE ARISEN AND ARE NO LONGER MISLED BY SUCH FALSE STATEMENTS GIVEN BY POLITICALLY MOTIVATED PEOPLE. READ IN YAHOO NEWS FORUMS AND YOU WILL GET AND IDEA OF HOW MUCH DIRT IS THERE IN CURRENT DAY POLITICIANS WITH COMPLETE FACTS AND FIGURES.
Even when Mahatma Gandhi had began his struggle with the British, he had to face ridicule from like minded people. The Rich, The Super Powers who are not affected in any ways.......but it was the common voice of the people for the common objective which finally had won....................rgrds
From India, Mumbai
What has Anna or Ramdev has to the Government afterall?????????.........Give us TRANSPARENCY AND CLEAN GOVERNANCE....THATS IT.
And the Powers to be are using all their money and might to subdue the VOICE OF THE COMMON MAN IN INDIA......through media, through Forums and though false propaganda............BUT UNFORTUNATELY THE PEOPLE OF INDIA HAVE ARISEN AND ARE NO LONGER MISLED BY SUCH FALSE STATEMENTS GIVEN BY POLITICALLY MOTIVATED PEOPLE. READ IN YAHOO NEWS FORUMS AND YOU WILL GET AND IDEA OF HOW MUCH DIRT IS THERE IN CURRENT DAY POLITICIANS WITH COMPLETE FACTS AND FIGURES.
Even when Mahatma Gandhi had began his struggle with the British, he had to face ridicule from like minded people. The Rich, The Super Powers who are not affected in any ways.......but it was the common voice of the people for the common objective which finally had won....................rgrds
From India, Mumbai
Dear Fellow Countrymen,
This is a call to support the initiative of "Lok Pal Bill" as proposed by Anna Hazare & Team. Please come out of your comfort zones and support these initiatives. When Anna-a veteran old man, when Arvind Kejriwal-an IITian can fight for us, isn't it our duty to show support towards their initiative by participating in their meetings and gatherings. Remember 16 August 2011, Anna would begin his fast unto death for demand of justice for the people of India. We have this opportunity to make India a better country. Without supporting such initiatives, can we have the right to complain against corruption in our land????. Think for yourselfs...think hard....Arvind Kejriwal is an example of what youth can do. He is the real youth icon, fearless, brave and courageous. Don't watch TV and discuss, participate. We want participation and not mere claps. Remember we have this opportunity to make India a Better Country for our coming generation. And if we let go of this opportunity by sitting comfortably in our homes, history will not forgive us, our children will not forgive us. When our freedom fighters could give their lives for the country, can't we do this little thing of just participation in this cause for common good??...don't think so much....just get up and move....find out when and where IAC has organized meetings in your city and just participate. Understand the motive and the finer points of this "Lok Pal Bill". Remember if you fail to turn up, there would be a "Joke Pal Bill" which would be passed in the parliament. Its upto you, my dear fellow brothers and sisters. What do you want, that will happen....Lokpal or Jokepal??.....if our freedom fighters had kept thinking, they would have never acted and we would have never got independence from the british raj.....and now after independence, it is our turn to get freedom in real sense for the people of India. Pessimistics might complain that such initiatives is of no use....remember if you try, you will succeed or might fail.....but if you don't try, you will no doubt fail.....Try it my dear friends....get into the act NOW......Believe me you would be more than happy that you did!
Vande Mataram!
Jai Hind!
Mumbai: 14th August, Nanavati School, Vile Parle (W), 5pm
Mumbai: 15th August-Lights off in all homes from 8pm to 9pm in protest
Mumbai: 16th August, Azad Maidan 10am
From India, Mumbai
This is a call to support the initiative of "Lok Pal Bill" as proposed by Anna Hazare & Team. Please come out of your comfort zones and support these initiatives. When Anna-a veteran old man, when Arvind Kejriwal-an IITian can fight for us, isn't it our duty to show support towards their initiative by participating in their meetings and gatherings. Remember 16 August 2011, Anna would begin his fast unto death for demand of justice for the people of India. We have this opportunity to make India a better country. Without supporting such initiatives, can we have the right to complain against corruption in our land????. Think for yourselfs...think hard....Arvind Kejriwal is an example of what youth can do. He is the real youth icon, fearless, brave and courageous. Don't watch TV and discuss, participate. We want participation and not mere claps. Remember we have this opportunity to make India a Better Country for our coming generation. And if we let go of this opportunity by sitting comfortably in our homes, history will not forgive us, our children will not forgive us. When our freedom fighters could give their lives for the country, can't we do this little thing of just participation in this cause for common good??...don't think so much....just get up and move....find out when and where IAC has organized meetings in your city and just participate. Understand the motive and the finer points of this "Lok Pal Bill". Remember if you fail to turn up, there would be a "Joke Pal Bill" which would be passed in the parliament. Its upto you, my dear fellow brothers and sisters. What do you want, that will happen....Lokpal or Jokepal??.....if our freedom fighters had kept thinking, they would have never acted and we would have never got independence from the british raj.....and now after independence, it is our turn to get freedom in real sense for the people of India. Pessimistics might complain that such initiatives is of no use....remember if you try, you will succeed or might fail.....but if you don't try, you will no doubt fail.....Try it my dear friends....get into the act NOW......Believe me you would be more than happy that you did!
Vande Mataram!
Jai Hind!
Mumbai: 14th August, Nanavati School, Vile Parle (W), 5pm
Mumbai: 15th August-Lights off in all homes from 8pm to 9pm in protest
Mumbai: 16th August, Azad Maidan 10am
From India, Mumbai
In democracy, contrarian views are welcome and let me recount the gains of Anna movement.
1. The movement has been a success as it is a public response to failure of existing institutions and lack of self-corrective mechanism to rectify. Therefore external pressure became essential. Is it not shameful that successive Governments have dragged their feet on Lokpal issue, as it is against entrenched vested interests of politicians and bureaucrats ?
2. Had democratic institutions and elected leaders performed their assigned tasks, there was no need for alternative like Anna Hazare movement. In practice, elected leaders do not remain in touch with their constituencies after they are elected. Anna Hazare has set an example of leadership emerging from response of popular sentiments. To carry this argument forward, if every one elected to Parliament/ State legislature/ Municipality / Panchayat reflects the will of the people and provide democratic leadership, alternatives like Anna Hazare would not emerge.
3. Unseemly bickering to score political points, instead of fucus on public interest, has become a normal routine in Parliament and State Legislatures. Discussion on Lokpal, under pressure from Anna Hazare's fast, was an exceptional event when ruling party and opposition parties came together to resolve the issue before them. If Parliament continues similar performance, number of bills pending before it would be attended to. It would appear that without sustained public pressure, elected representatives do not perform.
4. Lastly, please look at the educational qualifications of elected representatives at MyNeta - Candidate Affidavits for Elections in India - Information from National Election Watch (National Election Watch by "Association for Democratic Reforms".) There are innumerable cases of elected persons with criminal records. Level of education also does not instil confidence; they are elected representatives. Om Puri was politically incorrect in calling them"ganwar" ( as reported in media), but he had a point of view that can not be ignored. Electoral reforms are therefore next issue being taken up by Anna and his team.
I agree that there are positive and negative aspects of recent developments that have shaken up every one. One should be thankful to Anna and his team for raising issues of public concern.
--
anumon lakshmi
3,srinivasamurtiavenue adyar,chennai
My notes
From India, Madras
1. The movement has been a success as it is a public response to failure of existing institutions and lack of self-corrective mechanism to rectify. Therefore external pressure became essential. Is it not shameful that successive Governments have dragged their feet on Lokpal issue, as it is against entrenched vested interests of politicians and bureaucrats ?
2. Had democratic institutions and elected leaders performed their assigned tasks, there was no need for alternative like Anna Hazare movement. In practice, elected leaders do not remain in touch with their constituencies after they are elected. Anna Hazare has set an example of leadership emerging from response of popular sentiments. To carry this argument forward, if every one elected to Parliament/ State legislature/ Municipality / Panchayat reflects the will of the people and provide democratic leadership, alternatives like Anna Hazare would not emerge.
3. Unseemly bickering to score political points, instead of fucus on public interest, has become a normal routine in Parliament and State Legislatures. Discussion on Lokpal, under pressure from Anna Hazare's fast, was an exceptional event when ruling party and opposition parties came together to resolve the issue before them. If Parliament continues similar performance, number of bills pending before it would be attended to. It would appear that without sustained public pressure, elected representatives do not perform.
4. Lastly, please look at the educational qualifications of elected representatives at MyNeta - Candidate Affidavits for Elections in India - Information from National Election Watch (National Election Watch by "Association for Democratic Reforms".) There are innumerable cases of elected persons with criminal records. Level of education also does not instil confidence; they are elected representatives. Om Puri was politically incorrect in calling them"ganwar" ( as reported in media), but he had a point of view that can not be ignored. Electoral reforms are therefore next issue being taken up by Anna and his team.
I agree that there are positive and negative aspects of recent developments that have shaken up every one. One should be thankful to Anna and his team for raising issues of public concern.
--
anumon lakshmi
3,srinivasamurtiavenue adyar,chennai
My notes
From India, Madras
@P.Lakshminarayanan
Ultimately the truth saw the dawn of the day. Good that you acknowledge the comment made months ago.
Now coming to your point of Candidate qualifications.....WHAT WOULD THE COMMON MAN EXPECT IN A COUNTRY WHICH HAS A 5TH STANDARD PASS LADY CONTROLLING & COMMANDING A PARTY JUST BECAUSE OF A BORROWED SURNAME GIVEN TO HER MOTHER-IN-LAW (INDIRA GANDHI) BY OUR RESPECTED GANDHIJI TO SAVE HER BEING CALLED AS MRS KHAN WHICH SHE AS WELL AS ALL HER FORTH COMING GENERATIONS ARE EXPLOITING FOR MAXIMUM BENEFIT WITHOUT CREDENTIALS?????
......WHAT WOULD THE PEOPLE OF INDIA EXPECT WHEN YOU HAVE MR LALU PRASAD YADAV, WITH CASES RUNNING FROM ARSON, MURDER, LOOTING AND WHAT NOT REGISTERED AGAINST HIM AND MR YADAV FINDS HIMSELF HOLDING THE PRESTIGIOUS POSITION OF PARLIMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE??????
......WHAT WOULD THE PEOPLE OF INDIA EXPECT WHERE POLITICS IS A FAMILY BUSINESS NOW FOR EVERY TOM DICK AND HARRY AFTER SEEING WHAT INDIRA GANDHI & FAMILY & CO. EXTRACTED FROM IT?????
WE NEED THE ELECTORAL REFORMS URGENTLY FROM ANNA.....THE BATTLE IS ONLY HALF WON AND ITS A LONG LONG WAY TO GO.
....and yes, fortunately, I can proudly say that I actively participated in the IAC-led-Anna Movement and didnt see it only in television or read about it in newspapers. Sacrifice is required from the people of India at every stage in order to make such movements a people's victory......
SALUTING ALL CIRE HR MEMBERS WHO TOOK PART IN IAC-LED ACTIVITIES
VANDE MATARAM!
..............rgrds
From India, Mumbai
Ultimately the truth saw the dawn of the day. Good that you acknowledge the comment made months ago.
Now coming to your point of Candidate qualifications.....WHAT WOULD THE COMMON MAN EXPECT IN A COUNTRY WHICH HAS A 5TH STANDARD PASS LADY CONTROLLING & COMMANDING A PARTY JUST BECAUSE OF A BORROWED SURNAME GIVEN TO HER MOTHER-IN-LAW (INDIRA GANDHI) BY OUR RESPECTED GANDHIJI TO SAVE HER BEING CALLED AS MRS KHAN WHICH SHE AS WELL AS ALL HER FORTH COMING GENERATIONS ARE EXPLOITING FOR MAXIMUM BENEFIT WITHOUT CREDENTIALS?????
......WHAT WOULD THE PEOPLE OF INDIA EXPECT WHEN YOU HAVE MR LALU PRASAD YADAV, WITH CASES RUNNING FROM ARSON, MURDER, LOOTING AND WHAT NOT REGISTERED AGAINST HIM AND MR YADAV FINDS HIMSELF HOLDING THE PRESTIGIOUS POSITION OF PARLIMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE??????
......WHAT WOULD THE PEOPLE OF INDIA EXPECT WHERE POLITICS IS A FAMILY BUSINESS NOW FOR EVERY TOM DICK AND HARRY AFTER SEEING WHAT INDIRA GANDHI & FAMILY & CO. EXTRACTED FROM IT?????
WE NEED THE ELECTORAL REFORMS URGENTLY FROM ANNA.....THE BATTLE IS ONLY HALF WON AND ITS A LONG LONG WAY TO GO.
....and yes, fortunately, I can proudly say that I actively participated in the IAC-led-Anna Movement and didnt see it only in television or read about it in newspapers. Sacrifice is required from the people of India at every stage in order to make such movements a people's victory......
SALUTING ALL CIRE HR MEMBERS WHO TOOK PART IN IAC-LED ACTIVITIES
VANDE MATARAM!
..............rgrds
From India, Mumbai
First sense of Victory is Great but its still a long way to go.......the coming days will show to the people of India how well-intended the government is regarding the passing of a solid and strong lok pal bill........Saluting all cite hr members who took part in the IAC Anna Movement to achieve this result............Vande Mataram!....................rgrds
From India, Mumbai
From India, Mumbai
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