Anti-corruption protest raises hackles in India
Source: Agencies |
August 23, 2011, Tuesday
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CRITICISM mounted yesterday against an Indian activist's hunger strike, with public figures saying the protest threatens democracy and verges on demagoguery, even as thousands of his supporters demanded stronger anti-corruption legislation.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh - whose government has been beset by scandal - appeared to dismiss activist Anna Hazare's demands, saying "there is no magic wand that can solve the problem in one stroke."
But diminutive 73-year-old Hazare remained undaunted. Encouraged by TV cameras and thousands of chanting supporters, he has vowed to fast indefinitely until authorities pass his version of a bill - instead of the government's draft - to create a powerful anti-corruption watchdog.
He has faced little criticism since beginning his fast a week ago, but prominent activists have begun speaking out as his message gains traction with the public.
Arundhati Roy, one of India's best-known writers and activists, wrote in The Hindu newspaper yesterday: "The props and the choreography, the aggressive nationalism and flag waving … signal to us that if we do not support the fast, we are not true Indians."
She criticized Hazare's bill as "so flawed it is impossible to take seriously," saying it ignores other prominent institutions such as corporations and the media.
Nevertheless, tens of thousands carrying signs saying "I am Anna Hazare" have protested across India to support his hunger strike. TV channels are giving 24-hour news coverage, including urgent updates on his weight.
Hazare - styling himself after Indian freedom fighter Mahatma Gandhi - has clearly touched a nerve in a country wearied by rampant corruption. Everyone from poor rural farmers to urban middle-class professionals complain of having to pay bribes for basic services, including healthcare, school admission and death registration.
No one disputes Hazare's essential message that corruption is harming India, but critics question his demand to give the proposed watchdog authority to investigate and prosecute top judges and the prime minister.
In many democracies, judges and top elected officials have immunity while in office to protect them from politically motivated prosecutions.
Singh noted his government had only recently tabled its ombudsman bill for a parliamentary debate that would "take time" as lawmakers seek consensus.
He expressed frustration with the protests, saying: "I feel the complexity of the task is not adequately appreciated."
Hazare's insistence, through a hunger strike, that only his proposal can fix the problem has also unnerved civic leaders who dispute the impression that Hazare and his team represent all of India.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh - whose government has been beset by scandal - appeared to dismiss activist Anna Hazare's demands, saying "there is no magic wand that can solve the problem in one stroke."
But diminutive 73-year-old Hazare remained undaunted. Encouraged by TV cameras and thousands of chanting supporters, he has vowed to fast indefinitely until authorities pass his version of a bill - instead of the government's draft - to create a powerful anti-corruption watchdog.
He has faced little criticism since beginning his fast a week ago, but prominent activists have begun speaking out as his message gains traction with the public.
Arundhati Roy, one of India's best-known writers and activists, wrote in The Hindu newspaper yesterday: "The props and the choreography, the aggressive nationalism and flag waving … signal to us that if we do not support the fast, we are not true Indians."
She criticized Hazare's bill as "so flawed it is impossible to take seriously," saying it ignores other prominent institutions such as corporations and the media.
Nevertheless, tens of thousands carrying signs saying "I am Anna Hazare" have protested across India to support his hunger strike. TV channels are giving 24-hour news coverage, including urgent updates on his weight.
Hazare - styling himself after Indian freedom fighter Mahatma Gandhi - has clearly touched a nerve in a country wearied by rampant corruption. Everyone from poor rural farmers to urban middle-class professionals complain of having to pay bribes for basic services, including healthcare, school admission and death registration.
No one disputes Hazare's essential message that corruption is harming India, but critics question his demand to give the proposed watchdog authority to investigate and prosecute top judges and the prime minister.
In many democracies, judges and top elected officials have immunity while in office to protect them from politically motivated prosecutions.
Singh noted his government had only recently tabled its ombudsman bill for a parliamentary debate that would "take time" as lawmakers seek consensus.
He expressed frustration with the protests, saying: "I feel the complexity of the task is not adequately appreciated."
Hazare's insistence, through a hunger strike, that only his proposal can fix the problem has also unnerved civic leaders who dispute the impression that Hazare and his team represent all of India.
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