WE WELCOME ANNA HAZARE’S MOVEMENT

I simply disagree with the anxiety of a few that the ongoing fight by some activists against country’s corrupt systems poses a threat to the Indian democratic system. It’s ridiculously untrue if some charge that these anti-corruption forces, in the name of restoring morality and lucidity in public affairs, are actually attempting to destabilize the egalitarian process in the country. Nevertheless I agree that some of the people presently protesting against corruption in India might have some vested personal interests, but then too their intentions are not wholly bad since what they are doing would definitely benefit the country in many terms of development.

With my observation of last years I am embarrassed to say that the so-called elected representatives of the people are the real menace and impending threats to our democratic system. Our politicians have turned the entire democratic system into a high profile corrupt industry. Most political parties use money and muscle power to win elections. Many of the politicians across party-line are either in prison or are in the waiting to be there. It often makes me wonder, if we are really living in a democratic setup at all. The gluttony of the elected representatives has taken the form of corruption and has weakened the very basic democratic process of the country. The common man seems to be disturbed by the fact that the government acts against corruption only when it is pushed to do so by the judiciary.

We have to understand that what Anna Hazare is doing is surely rational and relevant. It’s an outcome of a situation arising from the regular abuse of powers by the politicians of this country who live under the shield of the authority given to them by the constitution. And in such a situation people are bound to rebel and take to the streets.

While it is inspiring that the people are now reactive to the different kinds of deceits existing in our society. With much optimism I can say that a few more protests like the present one will lead to the revelation and eradication of corrupt practices. But we must also remember that the changes we desire have to be brought through established institutions in a solid manner. The so-called representatives of the civil society seem to have a specific agenda. Or else, why would the Prime Minister is repeatedly charged with corruption while some of his more notorious cabinet contemporaries escape unscathed?



Thankfully, the media have played an important role in revealing the dishonest practices in the country. We hope that the media remain unbiased, impartial and independent, and not be dictated by powerful politicians.

Whatever the circumstances or result be later, the present movement by Anna Hazare’s movement seems like a blessing to us...

Can Mamata Really Bring About the Promised "Change"?

In a vivacious democracy like ours, the government and the opposition should be on constant dialogue with each other. For past many years in West Bengal, the two sides neither communicated nor agreed with each other on hosts of social, political and other issues. But recently the chief minister and the opposition leader in the state assembly- both jointly and devotedly, addressed a press conference and I see this as a welcome shift from the political culture that has long prevailed in Bengal.

There is hardly any doubt that a significant change in policy at the Writers Building has made this long-thought-impossible change, possible. Although for last few years Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress was the party of veto, her stratagem of never-relenting opposition to the then ruling Left Front government paid her off massively. But then, the former rulers’ superiority made her hostility look obligatory.

It's too early to say if there will be any beneficial change in the outlook of our politicians. But indeed we have got the hint of the advent of a new political culture in Bengal. A new strength of conciliation and adjustment has to penetrate down to the political and governmental functionaries at the lower-most level. The rabid political enmity between the TMC and CPI (M) all these years has alienated Bengali society in such ways that civilized and coherent discussions between the two appears to be an impossible task.The opposition’s strategy of being negative to everything that a government did or proposed actually belittled our democracy, is disastrous for West Bengal's financial and social order.

Now with the change at Writers, hopes are high that civilized debates and talks will resume between two switched sides and our state’s politics, which for long years was dominated by violence and naked show of irresponsible politics, will end with optimism of an economic recovery for Bengal.

Perhaps it is immature to imagine now that Bengal’s politicians will change their ways only because they have new roles assigned to them. However that is the alteration the state badly needs in order to recover itself from further economic decline.

Even though, Ms Banerjee’s first two months in office point to her assurance to change. But it will be interesting to see how she tackles the experienced opposition with her never-in-power and in-experienced ministers. It will also be imperative to watch as to how an ill-tempered Mamata can bring about the meaningful and promised "Change".

Has Vastanvi been wronged?

It is unfortunate the way Ghulam Mohammad Vastanvi, the former vice chancellor of Darul Uloom Deoband seminary, was summarily dismissed from his office. Significantly, his dismissal took place despite a panel formed to probe the allegations against Vastanvi had failed to prove the charges against him. This incident has proved to be a matter of shame for south Asia’s possibly most famous Islamic seminary, which is otherwise known for its moderate views.

There is absolutely no doubt that Gujarat riots is a blot on India’s modern history. It’s a fact that despite having their rights the Muslims in Gujarat are denied benefits or help from the states in most terms. In rural areas and urban slums poorer Muslims are in worse shapes. Few Muslims in Gujarat are possibly in better shape because of their own strength and endeavour. The state is no way responsible for those few Muslims’ prosperity.

Following the 2002 riots, Muslims in Gujarat have got the only consolation prize that some committees have been formed to investigate the cases of attacks against the Muslims. It is not that much heartening, (as mentioned by some) to note that Gujarat has not seen communal unrest for many years now because that’s what it should be- that’s the "Raj Dharma".

But whatever the situation the state’s pluralistic nature needs to be protected at any cost, and a more accommodating approach for all is required towards a better nation building. Vastanvi’s views should not have been misconstrued as prejudiced ones. He has been misunderstood and it certainly sends out faulty message in a democracy like ours.