Corrupt, repressive and stupid

This mass level aggression against the government is really a concern that to whom we have sent to rule upon us. I was really surprised what many of the ruling party MP's said in expressing their concern over Anna and in fact tried to malign their images when they failed to put a fair solution for a fair bill let us have a look on all of them :-- 1) The congress MP Manish Tiwari spoke :-- "Anna is corrupt from the till toe". 2)Many of the people of govt. tried to collect the witnesses against Anna at his native place so that they may charge is some corruption.A huge level of inquiry took place at his native. 3)In a belligerent tone Kapil Sibal told "Who are they? Who have elected them to represent the civil society?" There are many more things to be written. Can u see the qualification of Arvind Kejriwal , Kiran Bedi and other people involved in their movement and their significant contribution to the indian society ?? Is there any MP equivalent to them ??????

Thank you manmohan for the arrest. You helped us unite and grow. Now we know you are on our side all along. But now if you can fire all of your corrupted ministers then we don't need to fast.

After decades of utter frustration, this one man, a veteran Gandhian, has emerged as the champion for tackling the menace of corruption. His crusade is a measure of the pent-up anger, especially among the young, springing from the manner in which politicians of all hues are taking the country for a ride through misuse of office and naked corruption. With the gap between the haves and have-nots widening, there is a sense of frustration among the diminishing tribe of honest Indians which is ready to explode. Over the past six decades, the four pillars of democracy, the legislature, judiciary, executive and the press, have all developed serious problems in India. The rule of law stands subverted and moral values seriously eroded. The civil rights of women and children suffer blatant violations. Daily newspapers are replete with news of rape, dowry-deaths, trafficking, abduction and murder. The weak, the elderly and those living alone are robbed and killed every day. What is the future?

I feel there is a lot of misdirected anger in the country.People are very correctly upset about corruption that trickles down every tier of this country's social structure and Anna Hazare has just provided the vent for such disappointments.I stand in support of 'clean' India but that doesn't imply I'm supporting Anna Hazare.I abhor the pressure politics by Anna's team.We cannot simply go on making statutory bodies because some feel it would work. India isn't short of Govt bodies or laws, it is the improper implementation of these laws and inefficiency of these bodies that's creating hovoc. And if at all everyone feels creating a Lokpal would somehow solve all our problems it has to pervade the existing system rather than distubing it. I'm not vouching for everything that's on the Govt's bill although I find most its features pragmatic and implementable and 'simple' Anna's methods, I am afraid as Dr Ambedkar had once warned, is openning democracy to a 'grammer of anarchy'.

Very well said .A few people exist for the sole purpose of living their own lives . Mr Anna Hazare is different and I strongly believe in his actions and all I hope for is that this fight keep going on until a suitable solution is found . If this moment dies then India will never be a corrupt free nation.

Editor's view on UPA's strategy is absolutely SUBLIME,it emanates the dirty strategy that UPA has adopted in supressing the protest.What is worse that is now even Dr.Singh is also defending UPA's strategy after claiming Govt is keen to have a strong LOKPAL BILL,while they put up an abject prospoal for LOKPAL initilly.3 day grant to fast is rubbish,it seriously points out UPA's reluctance to deal with corruption.Agreed that parliament holds the right to make laws,but in such sensitive cases such as corruption it is worth putting public opinion in eminence.Detention of protesters conspicuously marks UPA's fear losing public faith.It has infact backfired and elicited more defiance in the till now oblivious public.Variety of statements come out like 'Does it guarantee end of corruption',those ppl need to realize that 'coz of their mucky collars such circumstances arise.Govt has to realize it is getting even worse for them by implementing tentaive measures whose effects are ephemeral.

How many of our parlimentarians are well up with the words and the spirit of our constitution? Our parliment has a very well stocked library, most of the books are kept in pristine condition,never opened. When we have more than 40% of our parlimentarians are either have a criminal record or are fugitives from law ,I think they have too many other preoccupations to take care off rather than read about about such useless materials like democratic priciples and the fine points of constitution.

I found Prime Minister's statement to parliament full of clarity and intention to do the right thing. We are corrupt when knowing what is right, despite popular opinion, we do not do that. Finally what is right will win.

Very bold editorial as Stupid is a strong but richly deserved word for those acting like colonial masters.It is amusing some readers justifying corruption as najarana etc and some think govt bill is good they should pay attention to the words of President you quoted APJ Abdul kalam a rocket scientist,patriot and humble person identifying corruption as singular cause for our inhibition of growth and moral terpitude and people stop thinking slavishly about Raj mentality and ban corruption legally.

Somebody objected to the use of the word 'stupid'. I wonder what could be used in it's place.... how about 'not very bright' or 'not smart'? Stupid is not an abuse. It is however an adjective to denote a person of questionable mental talents. I think the word fits the government to a tee. And, kudos to The Hindu for a crisp and telling editorial.

Spot on. My respect for The Hindu just increased.

Boldly said and it is the need of the hour. I don't know why this knee jerk reaction when there is an overwhelming support for ANNA and it is totally unwarranted as protesting is their right in democracy and there could have been some negotiations. Now the government is forced to go back and agree to all their conditions. There should be a thorough analysis on whether PM should be in the ambit of LOKPAL by the print media and the learned intellectuals.

Mr Bal Merely writing 'Stupid'doesn't make an editorial flawed either. Matters have come to such a head that even the SC asks 'What the Hell is going on?' Mr Anna knows very well that to combat such a self-serving Govt you need a wide margin in numbers. He has rejected the DP's conditions to muster support without which those shameless people who came to be elected will decry his movement as having only a minor support base'Plus the DP's conditions were unconstitutional...why should someone listen to them? None of your arguments make any sense.

Anna Hazare's demands are not accepltable,he should allow the parliament to be the supreme.He should stop his childish behaviour

As a reader of The Hindu for the last thirty years, this editorial is perhaps the most indecent of all that I have read. Can the editor of such a newspaper afford to lose all limits of decorum? Please do not get swept of your feet to emotions and behave as a third rate politician. Governance cannot be done based on the emotions of a few hundred people. Through years of toil and struggle, systems and procedures have been created. We cannot all of a sudden allow all this to deteriorate into nothing. We are clearly playing into some foreign power, which has a clear gameplan to destabilise the country. It is clear that all those filthly wealthy people in the Anna club who claim to be honest, in many cases, who have been clever enough to successfully hide their illegal activities, have hidden agenda. Now they are playing a Gandhiji, who was not even remembered by many of these people at any time in their life. High paid professionals who have control of the social media have nothing to lose.

Nobody disputes corruption is an issue. Yes, it is a big issue. But what is being projected as an anti-corruption movement is a disguised attempt to destabilize the government. It is not the government which is suppressing opinions in this case. But this is a concerted combined media hype. School students who do not understand anything about a statute are projected to be the supporters of Anna. If a man threatens to commit suicide if his will is not made law, that can only be coined as fascism. The move is clearly against Parliamentary democracy, and it certainly needs public debate.

Well said.It is only a beginning. Like the opinion spreading through internet recently seen in Egypt and other Arab countries, this matter is spreading widely. We have to organize a debate in tv calling Anna,Swamy,Gurumurthy,PM,HM and other important persons so that all matters can be clearly understood.

A well assessed editrial aptly said about dirty Govt and its dirty acts to cover up the huge corruption it is neck deep in.Its days are numbered if the feelings of people are sensed in the huge support to Anna Hazare leading the movement against corrupion in country and at the hands of Govt itself.The UPA is exposed and will have to pay heavily politically both congress and its coterie which is not far away.

Awesome! The Hindu Editorial Team has expressed exactly what my heart felt to express. I used to think why isnt the media covering this and not being anguished on the issue of corruption. But after seeing this article (Opinion) I feel as if I have spoken to the Prime Minister directly. Will Dr. Singh understand that this is the wish of every single Indian across the country. I dream to live in a country which is void of corruption and which is developed and I can leave my children and grandchildren in happiness after my death.

Some of the people are supporting the govt stands and opposing anna,can you people say why..your saying people should change not the politicians.But i say people are changing now. And you people can yourself file a case or atleast counter a corrupt MLA or MP. Karnataka lokayukta did it. So we need Jan Lokpal Bill Strongly.

Could not have said better

@Govinda: How many people and politicians have read the constitution of India? One cannot read everything about everything. But people tend to sense the drift and support it. And as for "detention of Anna Hazare is not illegitimate" - I am reminded of the story I read as a child in school which highlighted the difference between being true to the law in its spirit versus in its words. The story goes like this: A stormy cold night and at the bus stand a lady is with a dog. Now the bus comes and the driver says, Madam you can come but you cannot bring the dog as the rule does not allow. Now, please note the circumstances of cold stormy night and moreover there are only a few passengers in the bus. Taking the dog inside the bus will be against law, but that is the right thing to do. It does not break the spirit of the law. Hope you understand at least now what was taught in primary school.

@Salil Desai Wise people look at the tip and recognize the iceberg. Yes, you are right - it is not millions out there and indeed life on the street looks normal. But, the anger and frustration is that of a large section of the country. It is just that we are not as vocal and active. People are participating at the level that they could - commenting here, keenly following news, using social media, etc.

Proud to be a reader of The Hindu for many decades. The editorial is spot on, hits the nail on the head. I am in total agreement with the comments made which sizes up the ineptitude of the govt in handling peaceful protest by members of the civil society. Riddled with scams and exposes it has lost the will and moral authority to govern. How can a bunch of power-
hungry self-seekers, blinded by arrogance be at all sensitive to the mood of the people?
We have become a society so deeply mired in corruption that we need a thousand Annas
to do the clean-up. It is heartening to see our young brigade display on their body I AM
ANNA. As long as Anna's magic works this metamorphosis there is hope.

Excellent.. well said..! "Stupid" was the first word that came to my mind when police arrested Anna and sent him to Tihar.

I'm sure Manmohan, PC, Sibal & Prnabab would have read it.

It is very easy job to point fingers at the government at this point. Hunger strike cannot solve corruption... people have to change... what will lokpal bill do? if Lokpal itself is again headed by corrupt people?... everybody seems to criticize government, but i have not read a single article here as to what steps should be taken to eradicate corruption... at this moment, everybody is busy getting political mileage out of Anna movement. People do not understand that corruption was always present as before. But, the new difference in the last 10 years is that indian economy has grown, so the quantity of money involved in corruption is so high. So, proper steps have to be taken to strengthen our institutions to tackle it... hunger strike cannot solve the problem in ONE day.

Alternatively think. Couldn’t Mr.Anna’s team have proceeded with a 5000 people strong fast respecting the convenience of Delhi residents, traffic etc? Merely writing ‘Stupid’ in the head doesn’t make an editorial sharp. Analyze the options with an open mind. Anna and team have got the popularity they were thirsty for; they are happy and overjoyed now. Feast in village, fast in city before TV cams.

I think the media coverage is as flawed as the Government on Lokpal Bill. The media coverage is not at all issue based. The coverage is highlighting and patronising cult leader rather than Issue based analysis. After all we are a democracy,we have elected the parliamentarians to frame policies. If they fail, let us not elect them. Just to blame the Government of the day is not enough. While most of the citizens are against corruption, they have also contributed for the growth of corruption one way or the other. The problem is the whole system needs to be revamped and government and citizens both need to change. Probably Anna has started the mass movement. Let us not glorify the Individual. If Government has to take steps to maintain peace let it be allowed. I am dissappointed that instead of giving suggestions on how to bring about transformation in the individuals to get invoved in movements like this and ensure a stronger,effective lokpal Bill you have played to the gallery.

We, the common people or aam admi needed a catalyst to fight back at the collusion of rich politicians, corporates and bureaucracy. Today that catalyst was Anna and the strong support for his movement showed that we the aam admi has the still the courage to stand up.All the major political parties were actually following the divide and rule policy. At the podium they spoke about the poverty and inclusive growth and when the mandate is given, they are Supreme Gods who make laws in the parliament for the convenience of looting and plundering this nation’s wealth in the name of globalisation and structural adjustments. Our political masters just copy the freewheeling capitalistic dogmas of the west and does not have the intelligence to develop our own home grown economic and development ideas. Today, the famous economist, Nourieal Roubini says Kral Marx was partly right. Free wheeling capitalism is on the brink of Self Destruction. The collusion between politicians, corporates and bureaucracy must be broken and the holy politicians must listen to great people's movement.

Your editorial outburst is entirely unwarranted whatever be the level of corruption in the nation. The frenzy ceated by media will make the mobs go out of control and there will be looting and violence. The draft presented by the Government is only a draft. Let all sections modify it embellish and get it through Parliament. You are almost overthrowing an elected established government by due process of law. What was Anna doing when the wrong people got elected? Why did he not create an awareness then.

I read your editorial and congratulate you for such a brave writing. Many Indians must have been inspired by your editorial like me. Those who are against Mr.Hazare must understand that he is not against the Government or against any political party. He is against corruption in the country. Any person, whatever may be his political background, will not agree with the way Government handled Hazare issue. I am sure Indian public, especially youngesters must come out in large numbers and support Hazare. I request the prime minister to come out firmly and take initiative to pass Jan Lokpal Bill. If he and his ministers are not a corrupt, as is claimed by him, why should prime minister afraid to come out openly and pass Jan Lokpal bill. Even British Raj had a soft corner against Mahatma Gandhi, even such a consideration was not given while arresting a 74 year old Gandhian by this Government.

The Hindu as an institution had in the past valued its editorial integrity over all else. In the recent period, editorial integrity has been severely compromised and news coverage linked directly to advertising.

Excellent editorial. A human chain has to be formed outside the Parliament in New Delhi and a CBI enquiry be conducted into the assets of all the 572 elected legislative members within a stipulated period of 45 days and the report be made public. The illegal wealth to be sized and the same be used for building the infrastructure of our country. Long live India.

I appreciate the fact that you are fighting for the right of speach and critsing the govt, but do you follow the same , i saw a Comment below your make a column which says "Comments will be moderated" Why? does this not prohibit people from airing the view which we feel or correct, so the rules that you talk about others dont reflect to you, pls put your house in order. media has become so biased in their reporting that they dictate what others needs to do before the courts finishes a trial or govt takes a decision now a days and every body including the govt and public are playing to the tunes of the media to get cheep publicity, will bringing the lockpal bill erradicate all corruption i feel no, first the Judiciary, Electrol reforms, Police system and Media should be overhauled and correct so that all others will fall in place.

Being an American, I am saddened to notice that integrity as a value is _almost_ non-existent in India. Every one tries to squeeze the extra dollar out of me. Fundamentally the country needs a paradigm shift i.e. go back to the basics and make it a value that truly binds the nation (not the chalta-hai attitude). Corruption is a offshoot of lack of integrity as a whole. This government seem to have taken the degree of corruption to its all time high. Once Lokpal bill gets passed, the next one would to start teaching the young ones importance of integrity & Satyameva Jayathe. This will ensure that foundation for new India will be strong and secure!

@Khan Md Ashraf Parliament is supreme and not the parliamentarians! People running the system are the System in today's Date.System is outdated.We have implemented the same laws what were implement by British to rule us,why do you think that on Passports we would have written 'India' in english and 'Bharat' in Hindi. I think you should read the comparison of the Jan Lokpal and Govt Lokpal. a)6 months imprisonment for a govt official if found corrupt and 2 years if the complaint filed by an individual is found wrong. b) Lawyers will be provided by Govt to defend the govt official and the individual who has filed a complaint has to take care of all the expense on his own...just to point out a few glaring problems.

SO if you condemn this editorial you have no understanding of Economics, effective governance, and Freedom/democracy.

Very bold and apt editorial with a brutal frankness, only 'Hindu' could bring it out. But, there is something more not mentioned but surely implied. The system is full of arrogant, pompous, insensitive, self-serving people with the least vision and foresight to perceive the needs of the common man. The people have developed a hatred to see these people moving around with sirens blaring in their caravans of SUVs, gun-toting security staff, special VIP facilities at airports, famous temples etc., to the extent the Royalty of other countries can learn a thing or two about the ultimate luxury. How can a nation tolerate thousands of food grain rotting in godowns when millions are starving, and the minster in charge pursues his pet hobbies regardless. Even with all the allegations,and agitations, the standard of goveranace remains same. Anna Hazare is a symbol of revolt against this very injustice. People who can not get a passports, driving licences,birth certificates etc.,

Police has initially disagreed to anna's fasting by dismissing six conditions. Because people thronged all over the country to fight corruption in a non-violent manner, they are forced to remove all the restriction that are inforced by police(govt).
Eventhough govt not yet accept anna views, it will be a success for the our anna's protest.
If youths give the contribution to the anna protest, then govt has forced to accept everything what anna wants

We are all tired of the faith of parliament; we hunger for a true leader we got it ;my job is to back him

Great Editorial. The only thing this government hasn't curbed seems to be the independence of the media to air its views.

I have been a reader of The Hindu for many years. This will rank as among the most biased and stupid editorials I have ever read. To term the Govt's version of the bill as a farce, reeks of bias For a democratic Anna to dictate terms on the Parliament's supremacy is dictatorial. Agreed, the govt. made a mess of handling Anna and his "concept", but The Hindu is not adding any useful view.

It is time Shri Manmohan Singh shakes his lethargy and stupor and starts asserting his real self to save our nation from the certain doom awaiting us due to machinations of corrupt and selfserving politicians. Time is running out. Let him act quickly and end up as timely incarnation.

Excellent editorial. India simply needs a major revolution to eradicate all the social evil it is impregnated with. Anti-corruption movement of Anna Hazare is just a start. He is a catalyst to a major reaction of the people (yet to come). We need to realise our actual common enemies (corruption, poverty, illiteracy, supression, uncontrolled population growth, rich-poor divide, lack of infrastructure/welfare/helthcare systems etc. etc.), which is always present within our society. India needs to unite internally (not just against external ingress). Let us take this protest of Anna Hazare far enough to be undone by the mafia of corrupted politicians.

We will have to separate the need to have a stringent corruption law from the right of an individual to protest. This editorial fails to create this distinction. Any individual, however great the cause may be, should not be above the elected parliament. I truly wished Hindu will present both sides of the view instead of taking a populist stand on this issue.

This editorial is absolutely correct.

This editorial smacks of media's desire to play to the public gallery. Gandhi himself had said No to Satyagraha in a constitutional democracy- Frontline Aug . The right way in our democracy is for the Anna Team is to put their case before the parliamentary standing committee. They should resist playing on the emotions of youngsters and the educated middle class. We all want an end to corruption in the high offices but the dissenter should accept the other's right to dissent if he respects democracy instead of oligarchy. It is the responsibility of the media to list the merits and demerits of Govt draft bill and JLP bill and help people to make informed decisions. Having said that the Govt clearly has stepped on a landmine and given unintended advantage to the Anna Team by imposing section 144. For the Govt to move forward respected papers like Hindu should provide useful suggestions instead of simple criticism that any layman can provide.

After reading the article and the comments I reached to this conclusion that few people who are condemning the people movement and team Anna either out of their stock of intellect or mere blind and deaf they can't see or listen the need of time. Some people are suggesting make Anna PM and see if he can run the country, can we really do it!
Parliament is supreme but this supreme power has unfortunately gone in the hands of corrupts and goons.
Here is my appeal to all. Wake up and drop your all small minded arguments and see the bigger picture and we need to united together to fight against this big epidemic of corruption or you are still want to romanticize your own argument. 65 years of independence and the same parliament politics has put us today at this juncture. Now here is time that we come together and make a resolve at personal level, at community level, at nation to end corruption. You might not agree with means but you can't deny to intention of so many people on road! Unite!

I think some of us have not fully understood what the social agitation is all about. What Anna and team wants is to present a strong Lokpal bill before the Parliament. If it gets defeated there, they are ready to accept that. Atleast some are under the impression that they want their version to be notified as law- it is not true. What stops them(Govt) from debating their version??

UPA - united progressive Alliance ? No way. It must be named UCA - Unitedly Corrupt Alliance or UPA- United Plundering Alliance? Is it not true from what India has witnessed during Mouni Mohan Singh's watch all these years?

Our PM can say sorry for misdeeds of his ministers, politicians keep on blaming each other endlessly for the present state of our country, political parties think it is their birth right to come in power by any means, corrupt corporates plead that they are victims of corruption, bureaucrats take bribe without fear and our LAW takes light years, gets lost in eternity. Parliament is responsible to make LAW, who is
responsible to IMPLEMENT and ensure PROPER LAWS are made?

If India has to go forward then the only way out is for Nehru Dynasty to end. Unfortunately Congress still seems to think that only a decsendent of Nehru can run this great country - none other entire billion Indians included. Yesterday's rallies across the country has shown how wrong they are. Jai Hind.

I think the Hindu has got carried away by the media frensy regarding this issue. Corruption is a deep malaise affecting humanity for millennia. It can only be reduced to a level where ordinary people do not suffer its consequences. Yes currently in our country we have a problem of endemic corruption. We already have a system that has checks and balances to deal with the same. It has been the failure of the people running the system, not a failure of the system itself. Now you have a set of people who want to impose their will on the people of this country. Has there been a reasoned debate about the pros and cons of it? Parliament is supreme, nothing should be done to negate that. Team Anna and their demands smacks of subversion of our democracy by blackmail (fasting onto death). So I condemn this facile editorial.

Your editorial is a disappointment. When there was so much corruption happening in your own home ground, where were you. Let Anna become the PM, Sr Bhushan the Law Minister, the junior take over Kapil's, Kejriwal Home Minister and Kiran replace Ambika. I challenge that they cannot turn around this country and eradicate poverty or minimize corruption. Let us not trivialize and simplify things.

Excellent piece of reporting.Yesterday also read discrepancies in Land Acquisition Bill via your tweet. Want to say one thing that "media is the fourth pillar of democracy". There is no doubt in that.Media [faction that doesnt lobby, manipulate as it appeared in radiaGate] has stood upto their responsibilities & covered stories fair & square. And most importantly this needs a mention as i believe they cant print this for themselves, politicians are busy blaming them. Media needs appreciation as after Radiagate beyond doubt brand media in general was hurt badly and trust imparted in them took a hit due to BarkhaDutt, VirSanghvi & many more who were behind it but after that unlike our politicians, Media helped reinstating people's trust in itself by exposing The Corrupt [who will be hereafter mentioned as TheTraitors] one by one 2G/ CWG/ S-Band/ Adarsh list goes on.

Fantastic and courageous editorial covering an idiotic blunder by the ruling clique. The junta in power has still not learnt a lesson. The PM statement in parliament is being credibility by sending a bomb squad to Anna site. My guess is the likes of the Machiavellian team of advisers are planning to create a false scare to expose a so called foreign hand. Beware.

Somewhat surprising to read a blatantly partisan editorial in this paper. Corruption is a general malaise in our country not confined to one party or group. Everybody, govt. and AH included, seem to agree on the need to fight corruption. On the surface, at least. This paper and many more say the Govt.'s LP bill is a farce and that team Hazare's JLP bill is the right way forward. Now a pan-India movement is beginning to back the JLP bill. My question is how many of us have really read the two versions and understood their full implications. It is laughable to see political parties and leaders out of power jumping on to the anti-corruption bandwagon. What we need is a logical and rational debate on deciding the way forward rather than blind pressure tactics. Having said this, it has to be admitted that the govt. has been bungling it's way all through the recent events - more of a PR disaster for it.

Good editorial. So to do the point. This government has run as dictatorship than democracy. They think they can get away anything. Lot of people commented here that Anna's way is wrong. But I think they are misunderstanding his demands. He doesn't want anything for him. All he wants is parliament to pass good Jan Lokpal bill.

Anna and his team are keen to harp on public emotion, especially the youth. This is not a healthy way for a person like Anna. He should respect the elected Representatives and fight within the scope of law of the Land. Thousands gathering on streets does not necessarily mean he has the full support of the people.

Editorial is one of best.Leaders of the present gov. is out of touch with public at large.It is heartening that many younger indian has come for protest and join to reduce,if not eradicate, corruption.Wish a success for them.Thank you for well written editorial.

Hindu has lived up to its great reputation for independence and sage opinions. The editorial correctly represents the overall mood of the country and the myopic, senseless attempts at suppression of public will exhibited by the UPA government - unworthy of a great democracy like India. Shaeless corruption and lack of accountability are defeating the deocratic opportunities for growth and greatness of India. The popular anger and organization generated by Anna Hazare provides the right opportunity to reverse the cancer of corruption and heal the great Indian state and its economy.may this be the turning point we all have been waiting for to regain the glory Mother India deserves.

You have satified your readership.Let the UPA Govenment pay the price and fall evenbefore the next General Elections as desired by you.Whether you could assure that we will have an Effective LOK PAL and get rid of corruption.We dont deserve the services of Dr.Manmohan Singh.Let us have Nithish Kumar or Modi, Mayavathi or Jayalalitha, Mulayam or Lallu and pay the real price.Literate or Illiterate, people's moral standard matters.Unless people elect a one party Govt with simple majority any Govt may have to either face cover up charges or facilitate election as when some scam comes to light.

First things first, hats off to Mr. Hazare. He has done nothing wrong with this protest. It has been peaceful, he has tried to seek police permission before going on fast-unto-death, he informed the general public, the media and the government. This is not some uncalled for bandh or protest being organized by every other opposition government. Mr.Dattatray, the gentleman who has written a comment on Aug 17th 2011 at 14:04 IST has misunderstood the issue. The Prime Minister is not GOD. Even GOD's are being bribed these days(Don't you ask for something in front of the deity and bribe the almighty?). I do not work in India, but I do have sources of income in India and I definitely want to know where my income is going to, how it is being spent. The PM lives on each and every one's hard earned money (that's how his salary is paid) and he is answerable to every one of us. You cannot eliminate corruption ASAP, but you need someone to take steps. That someone is Mr. Anna Hazare. Support him.

Mr.Anna Hazare's fast to force the UPA Government to enact a powerful Lokpal Bill,and his arrest thereafter proves that THE UPA Government of Manmohan Singh is not really interested in drafting such a comprehensive Bill that would include The Prime Minister Ministers,Parliamentarians and The Judiciary.Mr.Anna Hazare is not wrong in demanding such a Bill,The Nation and all right thinking people will definitely demand such a Bill,and only those who are "Corrupt" and guilty will oppose it.The UPA Government that is silent over several frightening Ministerial and Political Financial scandals will definitely not draft such a bill since most of the Ministers and Congressmen are "Neck deep" in "Ill gotten" wealth.If UPA Government drags its feet over this Bill,then the Nation must demand its "Removal" and hold fresh general elections with "LOKPAL" Bill as the only Issue.UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi's absence from India make one wonder whether she has a "Political ailment" or real Cancer .

The truth of the matter is at this point, Congress can come out with the most effective and water-tight bill - but it will not be acceptable to anyone. The country wants UPA out. This has been the most depressing administration in Modern India inspite of the fact that India economically has never been better. MMS at this point has no moral authority and no personal itegrity - he would have either pulled up his socks or quit. Cant expect anything from Sonia, as per most accounts she is the biggest beneficiary of state corruption.
UPA I - Power Corrupts
UPA II - Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely.

The strong sentiments expressed in your editorial is highly appropriate. However, i don't understand why Anna's team is so stubborn to resort to fasting and other pressure tactics and even create a potential for anarchy. things can easily get out of hand and Anna and his team will be totally helpless in the end. Now, Anna team knows that eventually, it is the parliament that will have to pass the law. If Anna team has so much of support, it should be able to work with the opposition (all of whom are using this issue to attack eh government) and call for a conscious vote on the bill, and get it voted out? That is democracy for you. I do not like most of the MPs no matter which party they come from, but in a representative democracy (for which I am willing to die), the final arbiter of the bill is the parliament and let it decide. why hod country to ransom for every issue? Hunger strike was resorted by Mahatma against the British during a colonial rule, but not in free India.

It is disappointing to see Government suppressing peaceful right to protest. Lok pal is not going resolve all corruption. But its a good first step. I wish/request IAC/Anna's team to focus on encouraging teaching community from schools/colleges/Universities, educate the students about corruption and not to get a work done by bribing anyone. There is a need for grass root level change in people mindset to fight this. If there is no one available to bribe, which official or politician will ask for money? Fighting against corrupt Government is just one part of it. Thats not going to produce any results soon.

To people who are saying that Anna is misusing his power, or the Lokpal will become another gestapo or something along those line, please read the "Jan Lok Pal" in its entirety. It specifically explains what it's powers will be and how the members of the Lokpal and Lokyukta will be selected and then elected. For Lokpal, members are selected by a panel includes the PM, Opposition leader, Judges of Supreme court and High court, election commissioner and so forth. The selection committee consists of former politicos, judges, and EC officials, and forward their list to the panel. People who get elected for the Lokpal cannot contest any elections or hold a government post. Please read the mechanisms built in to prevent any Lokpal official from becoming corrupt, and stringent methods to get rid of them if any misdeeds are done by a Lokpal member.

It is amazing how a Gandhian well past his prime, an ex bureaucrat, an ex law enforcing officer, an ex law minister & a champion crusader of PILs could galvanize country's common man, poor, middle class, intellgensia & citizens at large on a common cause affecting millions & millions of country men. But the successive governments after governments with all the governance machinery at their disposal, finest brains at work & largely unrevolting & forgiving class of citizens could miss the pulse of people & turn an oblivious eye towards the hardships being faced by a common man on day to day basis. Had even a fraction of the quantum of money the graft has devoured was utilised for the betterment of the people of the country the nation would have been more progressive & equitable in distribution of resources.

Boldly spoken! Im glad Ive not given up on The Hindu as the torchbearer of truth spoken when it needs to be told. The government's statements after the arrest - that Hazare poses a grave threat to parliamentary democracy etc - is the worst and most hypocritical reaction of any government to popular protest movements in the country since Independence. The British colonialists would have spoken the same language and acted the same way as our government has done.

With all due respect to Anna, I think what PM says makes sense. The anger and disgust of people of India over recent scams are being channelised into doing something completely undemocratic. The coercive imposition of Janlok pal bill from outside the Parliament will open a potentially dangerous road to future chaos. For one thing, not everyone believes in the Civil Society in its current form. Put aside sympathy for Anna and his cause, not all are willing to allow Team Anna arrogate itself the right to enact laws. If it is indeed a will of all the people then it better be coming through the mandate by due election process. Fundamental democratic structure and process should not be compromised. Second, even those willing to allow Anna to go ahead with his bill are not sure tht this is indeed the right bill!
To summarise, Indian democracy is under two pronged attack.One,Govt repression of a legitimate dissent. Second, rather subtle attack, is from Team Anna to impose their bill.

This edit is a paradigm of editorial comment on account of its pungent articulation within the limits of decency and decorum of obnoxious governance.Best compliments to you ! Our PM failed to read the pulse of the nation;stream rolled his stand in parliament staking his status as PM and inked the Indo-US nuclear deal.This time he is adamant to accept the reasonable pleas of the nation for an effective Lokpal.His disinclination to rubbish the voice of the people and especially the media and the intelligentsia needs to be condemned strongly.The team Anna agitations continue because he is yet to convince that the stand of the government is better than that of the team.Further he and his ministers are yet to suggest ways and means for better and foolproof Lokpal.The absence of earnestness for such a Lokpal gives rise to the inevitable conclusion that the government is comfortable with the corrupt with little or no thoughts about aam aadmi.A convincing Lokpal at the earliest is the solution

Timely excellent editorial as Hindu is bold in its crusade against corruption.I strongly propose prsent Govt to resign or appeal to President of India to dissolve the parliment so they can hold fresh elections based on public opinion about corruption issue will be truely democratic eventhough expensive or PM should pay attention to public opinion polls coducted by Hindu.

Fully Agree. The government has hastened its exit.

I would like to congradulate you for assesment of what went on.In addition to being corrupt and devoid of moral authority the government is also guilty of not having a plan to deal with the situation in spite of the fact that they had prior knowledge of what was going to happen for more than four weeks. If a CEO of a company does a bungle like this he will be looking for a new job before lunch time. I hope, our good neighbour China does not make a play for some of our land, up north. I am afraid, our leaders will move only after they hear a knock on 10 Janpath by one of their soldiers.

Spot on! The best write up so far on the issue anywhere. Congratulations. And I seem to agree with the Editor after a long, long time. Please keep reflecting the public mood, and anger like this.

Peoples have right to protest.The sentence is more pronounced when told by the politician.If this is our fundamental right then where Anna went wrong.Parliament is supreme, nobody denying the fact but the Government should also respect the public opinion and their thoughts.

Astonishing that Mr Manmohan Singh can even think that the UPA and he has the legitimacy to govern. He has overseen the most corrupt government ever. Sixty plus years of the Nehru/Gandhi tribe and all this motley crowd has done is institutionalise loot - of the ordinary Indian citizen. Well, you have India's version of Nero waiting to take over the reigns from Agripina - sad that Mr Singh has to pay obeisance to this whipper snapper. What a tragic state!!!

The point is not whether Hazare's method is feasible or correct; the point is, it finds a chord among all ordinary people on India. Again, it is not really if the LokPal Bill should be passed as Hazare wants it, or if it will end all corruption in India. It is that, Indian political and bureaucratic machinery needs to sip up and take notice and start the long process to tackle corruption. Their refusal to do it is creating the public anger. Which, again, they unfortunately do not see.

Some in Congress are intentionally misguiding the PM so that he can go on taking decisions against people's will and fail to sense pulse of the nation. This is been done to make the way for Rahul Gandhi as PM for the future. Congress will put blame on PM like they blamed PVN for Babri. I would advise PM to spend sometime on internet and visit The Hindu and other media websites and read people's comments or better meet alone with Intelligence Bureau chiefs and take their feedback on current situation in India.

Heartening to note so many have cleared their chest on reading this piece in your papers. In my reading your papers -- both your printed version for two-plus decades, and your on-line version for another two-plus decades of being away -- one thing has been clear: your reporting, even editorial quality and standards of the second decades are nowhere near those of the first. Occasionally insightful and almost always 'in' for this dynastic, one-family-rule that India has unfortunately been unable to get out of, this time you have got it right for a change. Now, will you consistently 'raise your voice' and therefore the nation's psyche to keep up a debate that an incompetent scion waiting in the wings only prolongs the agony that India has now faced for almost all of its 64 years of modern-State existence? Machinations are already out in full public view that that is indeed what awaits India unless a public view is formed to the contrary. What are you, The Hindu, doing to shape it?

I defer with your assessment and stand taken by The Hindu on the current situation.First off,as stated earlier "Stupid" is not an appropriate word.We have to remember that we elected & trust our PM to do the right thing as long as he is allowed to by the opposition. Now that the "coalition dharma" factor is neutralized.Our PM needs all our support. Main opposition party-BJP needs to reflect on it's attitude to a country's PM & be more responsible within the Parliament than to focus their energy on sound bytes & News Channel hopping. This is not a flash in the pan issue to score brownie points!We need a proper legislation & something that citizens trust.The proposed bill veracity should not be left with one small group of activists alone.

I feel there is a lot of misdirected anger in the country. People are very correctly upset about corruption that trickles down every tier of this country's social structure and Anna Hazare has provided the vent for such disappoints to flush out.I stand in support of a clean India but doesn't imply I am standing for Anna Hazare. I abhor the pressure politics by Anna and his team, by passing the constitutional processes.We cannot simply go on making statutory bodies because some say it would work. The problem isnt India is any short of Govt bodies and laws its because of improper implementation these laws and inefficiency of these bodies. And if everybody is hell bent on creating a Lokpal, who they suppose will be the solution to all our problems it has to merge into the existing system.Im not vouching for the Govt's bill although I find Govt's more feasible and implementable. I am afraid of 'simple' Anna Hazare's methods as B.R Ambedkar had said openning democracy to a 'grammar of anarchy'

It was taught to us in school that in a democracy, the government is for the people, to the people and by the people. It is unfortunate that well-educated people like Mr. Sibal and Mr. Chidambaram often forget this definition and resort to rhetoric against Anna Hazare and Co. for their protest against the Govt. version of Lokpal bill. Their argument that the inclusion of Prime Minister under the gambit of Lokpal would undermine the functioning of PMO is flawed. It is nobody's guess that the exclusion of PM from Lokpal bill would ensure smoother functioning of PMO. But PM's inclusion under Lokpal Bill will definitely make him more accountable.

It is extremely surprising that the Home Minister and the Prime Minister go on record to show that they are very firm in dealing with Anna Hazare and the common man who wants corruption to be eliminated from the system. This is the first time in many years that the government has taken such a strong stance and made strong statements about any issue, but unfortunately, they have acted unworthy of being leaders of a powerful emerging nation. They are too bothered about protecting the corrupt and that is probably because they are too. The Prime Minister's office has been dragged into corruption scandals quite frequently these days, so yes, they are against a stronger LokPal bill. What is more surprising is that when terrorist attacks and bomb explosions take place in the country, there is no such strong statements from the government. Who is bothered as long as we can swindle and be happy?

I don't support Anna Hazare but the core issue here is one of corruption, the steps taken by the government, their reaction and the resulting bill, which does not cover crucial institutions and elements of their bureaucracy is not something desirable. Like it or not, Anna has energized the masses, we're seeing an 'Arab revolution' right there in India. The Congress is not going to win the next election.

A very nice article with bold attempt to represent the truth.Here I have questions regarding the approach of the government as well as the P.M to deal with curruption.In this context where is our so called Mr. Clean PM?Why he is afraid to come to the forefront,in a situation which is created by his own govt's greed?
He should take necessary steps to keep his opponents quiet by stepping above the partisan politics and take control of the situation instead using persons like Kapil Sibbal,Ambika Sony,Chidambaram etc. This is the golden chance for himself to show the nation that He is a person of impeaccable integrity......

It is the 24X7 TRP crazy media that makes or breaks a movement in today's India. It is true that the Govt's thoughtless acts have inadvertently strengthened Team Anna. Anna's movement has not emerged as a voice for the voiceless but rather it has given a face to the middle class public anger. Corruption is pervasive in all sections of society. While it is the poor who are harassed for bribes, often it is the middle class who willingly offer bribe to get things done in local panchayats, municipalities. Today the govt employees at all levels feel that bribe is right of their office. Corporates nurture corruption to make hefty profits and they sway Govts with election funding. Social boycott of corrupt is replaced by awe for people who make quick money by any means. We as society should change instead of blaming Govt cos any political party is essentially a part of the society. Anna's Team should put their case before standing committee instead of engaging in political gimmicks.

I have been reading about the events single Shri Anna Hazare's first fast and the so called progress of the Jan Lokpal bill. When we compare the peaceful protest against corruption and the turbulent protest people are carring out in Hyderabad over the Telangana issue, it looks like Government responds only to the likes of Riots and Bandhs. Sitting miles away from my country, I am filled with sadness for the direction in the which the development and growth of my country is going. I would not like to speak about Shri Anna Hazare's arrest or the delay in Jan Lokpal Bill. All I want to ask our Prime Minister and the Indian Government, is the real meaning of Democracy. In a country that is 'By the People, For the People" why are the people not being involved in any decision making other than voting for the leader? When will India become a complete Democracy?

Well written and to the point. We are busy with our day to day personal issues and problems that for long time we have not exercised our rights to question and demand answers from our elected representative. Now when WE THE people are asking questions the government feels threatened. They say these demands are unheard of and are unconstitutional.

If Jan LokPal and Shri Anna Hazare's fast is seen as unconstitutional, at least the Govt and Political parties can do the following within their elected powers / constitution and amend the existing laws - 1. CBI can be made as a separate entity similar to election commission and part of judiciary wing. 2. Criteria for party representatives to be elected - Election qualification criteria can be made more stringent - People against whom FIR is filed, cannot contest in elections - When in power, if a FIR is filed against a person, his/her position shd be deemed null and void. 3. All public servants / elected representatives / judiciary - when proved as corrupt - immediately their wealth should be seized

I commend your straight forward analysis. Very clearly the moves by the government were autocratic and anti people. A government led by a noble person like Mr Manmohan singh and I believe with very good intellectuals in the cabinet ought to think and act better. It is here worth mentioning Abraham Lincoln that a democratic government is "Of the people, for the people and by the people". And the government should understand the good intent behind Mr Anna Hazare's crusade, should co-operate and support to create a better India. Long after we are gone, this movement shall be remembered as a second freedom struggle.. a struggle to rid ourselves of our fallacies of corruption and selfish governance.

Sir, the point is very simple. While Mr. Chidambaram's lame view is legally valid - ethically and morally diminished criminals of majority parliamentarians (especially his own party) don't give us the confidence that a "Parliamentary Debate" could ever really be honest and fruitful given the track record of the Government in suppressing the true, honest and right feelings of its country men. We can't tolerate and support the attrocities and corruption of the elected parliament for five years just because we voted for it. Our election system needs to be revamped to provide the the citizens a better control mechanism to swiftly pull the strings of an elected government if seen is misbehaving in the interim without waiting for the next election for five years and letting the country be ruined by anti-democratic, corrupt and greedy ministers.

No doubt the picture depicts it all.A nation with one billion people on one side and authoritative leaders on other.If we obey the lokpal bill as proposed by the government of india, then only the common people is going to suffer.In recent years perspective ,it can be clearly seen that corruption has reached the pinnacle.90% of the corruption is due to our parliamentarians,and people who are holding high positions in the cabinet.But we make rules only for the common people,as if these people are almighty.This is not the meaning of democracy....it's clearly an autocracy,where people once elected to the parliament thinks as if they got visa to govern the country in whatever way they want without being executed.rules are rules .. Okay,i agree that to uproot corruption is not an easy task,but it can be achieved by strong lokpal bill.The people of the cabinet should lead the people by imposing every restriction firstly on themselves so that people respect not only the democracy & govt.also.

Brave editorial! This is what is expected of the media when the citizens' interests are trampled brazenly. Congress' rule-by-fooling policy stands exposed. Anna is one of the few scrupulous people left in this country. The MPs cutting across party lines, during today's discussion in parliament on PM's statement, gave the impression that once elected, they had the right to make laws and rule the country as they wanted. We know how elections are funded, the criteria the parties use in selecting candidates, and the money and muscle power used. The country badly needs to include the citizens' right to recall the MPs based on their periodic performance appraisal (at least 2 times during their tenure) by the electorate. Remember, parliament is formed by the people for themselves, not just for the parliamentarians.

Great article. The nation believed once upon a time that educated leaders can relieve us from the disparities that had existed in the Indian society for many centuries. However, our inept but highly educated and qualified prime minister and home minister have become the greatest allies to corruption and misdemanor, proving that the hypothesis was a fallacy. It appears stripping UPA of its powers is the right choice at this moment. But, do we have someone who can take the mantle and provide us with a better country to live. I doubt it. If not handled properly, this can lead to a civil war and consequently large-scale insurgency, taking us into the time before the Raj era, when we were disjointed and divided. We are in a catch 22 situation.

Unable to escape a feeling that Manmohan Singh, allowed his way, would give in to Team Anna's demand to include the PM and Higher Judiciary within the ambit of Lokpal bill. The coterie just wouldn't let him. He must put his foot down and assert himself. He is the PM and must use his powers to over-ride the corrupt ministers around him.

I would like to present heartfull thanks for this article. you have really put the things well, I m just surprised to see that many papers have written against anna and tried to show his mistakes, but no one has take care to measure what actions did govt took in affirmative way? many papers like www.loksatta.com or www.maharashtratimes.com have enjoyed just chewing anna's mistakes. Thanks for being impartial.

I whole heartedly agree with the ideas outlined in the editorial. The Hindu has done an excellent job by championing the cause of an individual who is trying to give voice to his freedom of expression and thought enshrined in the constitution and also by justly exposing the moral bankruptcy of a highly incompetent and panic ridden government. The government has floundered again and again on the rock of the corruption in the last one and half year or so and instead of taking corrective action by weeding out corrupt elements from the system and putting in place measures that would have helped in tackling the scourge of corruption that is fast turning out to be the single biggest challenge facing the government, it has taken the easy but self-destructive path of trying to muzzle the voice of the public that has lent its unqualified support to team Anna. I duly hope the government realizes its folly sooner rather than later and learns to respect the fundamental rights of individuals.

It is amazing how some people are able to argue on this website about how wrong it is to curtail the powers of parliamentarians and challenge the authority of govt ministers etc, and yet these people remain totally blind and silent when the same govt machinery, power, procedures, institutions are misused to plunder the nation and protect the corrupt! Do these people really think that they can continue to fool the Indians in 2011? The world outside has not been fooled for decades!!!

I personally have full faith in Annaji's movement to fight corrupt practice in govt.Enforcement of rule of law is primary goal of governance in a democracy,Lokpal Act needs enforcement,in India today after 64 years of independence we have not acheived anything near to this goal. Recently,the happenings of Gujrat,where upright officers who dare to act for providing justice to the victim of 2002 have been disgraced by authorities with such brazeness that has Fascist colours and the media and civil society's indifference to such brazeness has raised some questions which if remain unanswered this Independence Day by person of Anna's integrity and calibre then I believe our Democracy has serious challenges ahead.
Muslims as a community have been awaiting justice in the crime committed against them as community in Mumbai[1992] and Gujrat[2002],no conviction as yet in the murders of 3000 Indians in both the riotings. How the enforcement of Jan Lokpal Act be possible when killing of 3000 Indians go unpunished? How to deal brazeness of the system if it finds politically correct to deprive justice as in the case of Gujrat?

Anna Hazare is fighting to eradicate corruption at the top levels. At the same time, it is important for the common man to resist bribing. I request The Hindu to bring out an article on advising how a common man should change for a corruption free society. Like say, how it is unethical to violate a traffic rule and even if you violate why it is important not to bribe the traffic police. If a common man does not want to change, there is no point expecting politicians to change.

Lawmakers are the elected representatives of the Parliament. If the opposition parties who are making hue and cry in the Houses can bring in amendments to the Lokpal Bill to achieve their ends.This is the right thing they should attempt to. Instead, they are depending on a single person who is not a political party leader nor a constitutional expert. Mahatma Gandhi brought independence to the country because he was an eminent leader of a polital party-the Congress. Anna Hazare may be a Gandhian. Has he got the support of many other Gandhians in the country. If so, let them come out and support his cause.

Excellent editorial. While others chose to mince words and be circumspect about their criticism of government's undemocratic action, your hard-hitting piece has rightly captured the simmering discontent and anger against the worst government we have had after Emergency. Keep it up!

Wonderful piece of writing.Mysterious irony is being exposed by detaining Anna Hazare in Tihar Jail where A.Raja & Kanimozhi are. Rahul's involvement in facilitating the Release of Anna Hazare is just a political double standard to tarnish MMS & uplift Rahul to the throne. Indeed, on the otherhand it exposes the weakeness in his leadership.

I strongly opose your editorial comments.In India no one can stop the corruption,without change the attitude of the people.I have a doupt,Why Mr.Anna didnt ask his followers and supporters take a oath,we will not give bribes and not take bribes.

Your editorial has perfrectly captured the essence of the ground realities in Indian society vis a vis the spectre of corruption and the seething angst against this avoidable impediment to the stellar growth that our society, inherently poised for.Nevertheless, I feel any civil society or its representatives, cannot or even appear inadvertently, in the new found and unexpected groundswell of support from the silent majority, to undermine the institutions of democracy; nor the shades of recalcitrance. Its imperative on the part of the government and equally with all the parties in this governance structure, to rally on this mission to stem the corruption, design strong LokPal and associated governance mechanisms for the benefit of the society. Sincerely hope wiser sense ultimately prevails and government does act to deliver results on this count and demonstrate its avowed intent.

The Editorial leaves very little to add, it pretty much sums up our feelings. But it is not only a warning to the UPA but also to other political parties and the NDA, that if they were to collude and pass a ineffective Lokpal Bill there will be a heavy electoral price to pay. Them thinking they can ride the Anna wave to gain political mileage and project themselves as holier than thou, will be tested when the Bill comes up for discussion in Parliament. At this point I do not think any Political Party can be trusted, they are all the SAME.

First india has to decide if parliamentary democracy is working well for them. What are the ordinary citizens doing contacting their elected representatives about this problem? If there is ground swell opposition to corruption then they should contact their representatives. I am a US citizen and here every congressman is taken to task and intereviewed on their stand. I don't see that in your country.

Your editorial sternly opposing the repressive tactics taken by the Government against the legitimate fast which Anna Hazare wanted to hold to protest the rampant corruption in government, has made an all time record of responsible journalism. Within 64 years of our Independece from Britain,Congress Government with the unconscionable, irrational arrest and detention of Shri Anna Hazare,is turning our nation of over a billion people,into a Mussolini's fascist type dictatorship,in direct and disgraceful violation of the constitutional right of freedoms of assembly, speech and protest.Messrs Pranab Mukherjee and Chidambaram are talking through their hats,in saying that the Government's desperate actions not mean that the freedom of protest is violated.Such light talk is an open affront to the intelligence of over a billion citizens of India.

I thank The Hindu for this Editorial. Team Anna will live on, the movement may transform to smaller groups all across the country willing to organize and fight against corruption when the public faces it. The Government has proven its ineffectiveness and nonchalance. It is time for the grass root level groups to fight.

It is saddening that very senior persons from both the sides cannot make efforts to discuss the issues unresolved in greater detail for a solution. Is this a matter where egos should play a role? A midway solution could have been reached after consulting experts from different walks of life. Even now one can think of a larger democratically setup committee with eminent persons from different fields and the lokpal bill can be finalised. A good bill introduced can be reviewed after one or two years to see if all the clauses are practical or serving the purpose intended to.

I salute the editorial in The Hindu and would like to promise that the whole country and all the NRI's around the world are supporting this movement against corruption. This UPA government led by Sonia Gandhi is the most corrupt one in the history of India and its time to throw its leaders into the dust-bin and establish robust systems that deals with the corruption that is eating way into the very soul of our great Nation.Vande Mataram

Let me say the unpopular thing - the people who are supporting Anna Hazare have not read or understood what is in his (Jan Lokpal) bill. These supporters are intellectually lazy and are driven by emotions than reason. Rush of emotions mixed with wanton ignorance can easily go beyond the realm of peaceful protests; they must be restrained with care. The detention of Anna Hazare is not illegitimate.

Mr Dattaray: It's ironical that this great country don't trust it's PM but trusting the New post which has not been created. Exactly matters have come to such a low that none of the normally sacrosanct democratic institutions can be trusted here. The loss of faith is so great that the people are gladly abandoning the Govt for an unknown face and post A Very Sorry State of Affairs. And this is all the INC has managed to 'accomplish' in its decades of 'uninterrupted governance'. Exactly why Sri Hazare and his protest are relevant and have gained so much support

What a great editorial! I hope we soon see this great nation as corrupt free. I still wonder how did such a highly qualified and experienced PM couldn't manage this crisis well; he and his team slipped from every single step they took. If you guys are not corrupt, whats the problem in adopting the genuine and comprehensive LP bill? They are feared to implement such a strong bill as they all have already drenched themself into looting and parked enormous fund in Swiss.

The Jan Lokpal movement is the biggest hoax perpetrated on the Indian middle class by a team of 5 self-righteous humbugs lead by Anna Hazare on the one hand and the entire media on the other. Even as TV screens are full of frenzied mobs supporting Anna Hazare's detention, I see no such public outpouring on the streets of my city. There are no swollen crowds crying hoarse for Anna release. On street after street, I just see normal life carrying on as usual. Where then does the media find the millions marching in support of Anna? This is India's phony revolution to nowhere. What is wrong with this country? What is this Anna worship? The Jan Lokpal bill is so flawed that it just needs to be thrown out. It is like a virtual blueprint for abandoning democracy and willingly giving our collective fate to an all powerful unelected authority called 'Lokpal. And it is to initiate the creation of such a monster that Anna wants to go on another fast. And like idiots we are supporting it!

People wants the strong Lok pal bill.But the basic questions is, making such law is the only solution for corruption free India ? Answer is NO.
How can we say, people who will run this Entity will work without any corruption. Corruption is there in the system because we let it grow. How many of us wait for the work to be done in a proper manner wihout paying any money from the back end to get the work done ASAP and easily. How many of us pay proper tax. How many of us ask for the bill while purchasing anything? To remove corruption from the system first we need to change ourselves.Then only we can demand such bills like LokPal.Otherwise it would be added as a one more entity to system to grow the corruption at much bigger level.

The Root of all corruption is not the corrupt politicians nor the corrupt bureaucracy. But its the People of India.We indulge in filing false tax claims by fraudulent bills,do not follow the land law when we buy land or when we build a house, thereby creating loss to the government exchequer.We bribe our way to get undeserving favors.We give bribe to get our children in schools,in colleges.We are more than willing to bend our spine to indulge in all of these. Corruption is driven by need.We Indians, arguably glorify hypocrisy and i seriously think there is none second to us in this regard.The corrupt bureaucrat amplifies what the people of india does.We the people of india are the ones who rocks the cradle of the corrupt.If we do care about our nation,if we exercise our patriotism in letter or in spirit, Corruption would not have prominence.If we respect our fellow indians, we would not have been pawns to the corrupt bureaucracy.

The editorial in precise and unambiguous. The premise of the PM and other politicians that only parliament has the right to enact laws and not the common man defeats the fundamental purpose of the Parliament- The Parliament exists for the people, elected by the people and therefore should frame laws for the people and what they want. If the parliament does not listen to people and wish to protect corrupt politicians, it ceases to exist. ANNA HAZARE is perfectly >right in demanding a law to bring corrupt politicians and the parliament to answer to the people's wishes.

It is a brilliant article coming out from the pen of a person who has fully understood the mood of the nation and the dirty dynamics of Indian misgovernance and degenerated politics. Change in national scene would require dozens of such articles,day after day, to make a dent on a self- centered and utterly insensitive government which believes that it has all the wisdom but,in actual fact, is utterly ignorant and wooden-headed. May GOD save our country.

Any government is a reflection of its people and sadly the contemporary Indian population is responsible for a considerable share in the corruption problem, if not full. The points put forth in the editorial are valid, but people need to realize that right now, the country needs a government able to control the much speculated upcoming financial crisis. Sonia G and Rahul G , who are the real controllers of the Government, have been guileful in thier scripting, so they get all the credit while Manmohan takes all the blame. The educated masses need to realize this while framing their opinions. Corruption will proliferate until the gap between the rich and the poor is not curbed. More than 55% Indians are directly dependent on agriculture, which is only 0.4% of the GDP. Please keep in mind that every day you buy a bigger house and a fancier car, you are contributing to this gap. Efforts should be made towards rural education and employment before we even think of tackling corruption....

Anna Hazare team has gone overboard. The government on the other hand cannot do anything. The opposition has landed another wanting issue into their laps. My question is this: Karnataka Lokayukta recommended many corrupt politicians and officials to be chargesheeted for corruption. Has anyone been chargesheeted? No. The whole issue of a Jan Lokpal bill being passed is not going to stem the rot of corruption. If we people want to stand with Anna or any other we need to take a conscious decision, that the next time we register a land deal, or move an application in governemnt office just refuse to give that bribe. Are we ready to do that ? Are we ready to wait for our turn, whether it is a licence, a gas connection, a electric connection or even just wait for the signal at a traffic light ? When we the people are ready to do this, we will have our victory, without fasting.

Well-written editorial rightly echoing our sentiments. A little man with a Gandhi Topi has us all securely in his pocket and the arrogant Indian government running around on his fingers! Proving that Honesty, spirituality and true devotion to our country is what moves the masses and NOT the amount you have in the bank, nor the position you occupy nor the fancy car you drive. It's wonderful to feel the experience of LOVE for our ANNAJI!

The editorial is flawed on two counts. One, the language; one does not expect a reputed newspaper like the Hindu to use words like stupid; a government has it's own compulsions to take the decisions it has. Two, however right Mr Anna is about the present scenario of extreme corruption in all forms of life, he has no right to demand that his version of the bill only should be passed; What is parliament then for ? Let the bill be passed as such, after due deabate; amendments can be made later on.

Excellent Editorial..Manmohan Singh,our honarable PM is only answerable to UPA chairperson Sonia not to the people as he is not elected by the people.And moreover most of the congress people aren't acting sensibly,they are backfiring them self with their unmindful talks.

Anna is misusing Right to protest.He is blackmailing govt to follow his guidelines.His intentions are good but path is not correct.His first fast was important,but what he is doing is totally wrong.Tomorrow, I will say 'Make mePM of this country by this day otherwise I will fast unto death'. I am confident I can be a good PM and it is in public interest & I have support of my college,city.Will you all agree? Anna should go to opposition parties, standing committee to give his suggestions and garner support.And even then nothing happens then this protest would have been justified.He's trying to take PM under Lok pal. It's ironical that this great country don't trust it's PM but trusting the New post which has not been created.

Really great editorial. It reminds one of the emergency and more vividly of the colonial days.Anna Hazare is no more an icon for Lokpal Bill-he has actually transcended beyond that. Anna is now the symbol of common man's dissatisfaction against the largest democracy of the world, which despite its so-called GDP growth is stinking with nepotism, injustice and grotesque disparities.The crusade for jan Lokpak bill has percolated to the level of common man. Gandhi exactly did that. He demonstrated how non violence/satyagraha could be used as the post powerful tool of the ordinary Indian.Anna provides us a new dialogue.A new meaning of life.

When all the other liberties and rights assured to all by our Constitution, are being abused and misused as licenses to do any violations and still get away from punishments by the mighty and powerful sections of the society , the public spirited and concerned citizens of the country have no alternative but to unite under one banner to safeguard their interest as well as those of the vulnerable and poor sections of the society and demand that good governance be included as a fundamental right by amending the Constitution. The effective countermeasures for checking and controlling institutionalized, organized and the systematic methods for corruption indulged by the unscrupulous elements in politics, administration and business circles can only be an equally organized , institutionalized, united and the strong voice of the citizens representing the saner and the more responsible sections of the Society, protesting against corruption and demanding good governance as a right.

Excellent Editorial.The PM should resign,and apologize for the same.Shame on this UPA Government,reminding the Nation of the dark days of Emergency.Let Democracy keep on Shining in India always.

Hon'ble PM - We have not forgotten that it is the duty of the parliament to enact laws. But, it seems you have forgotten conviniently that you are elected by us, by those protesting on the streets and grounds and it is those electorates, n...ot just a single or handful of people ANNA and HIS TEAM, who are demanding to make the constitution functional which says that everyone is equal before law. If your govt choose to place people in high offices of governance and judiciary above a particular law, and go for enacting such a law, is it not constitutional violation? So, Mr. Manmohan, we are standing by the constitution, and it is you and your government which is violating constitution and hence there is a prima facie case against you to be tried for the alleged anti national activities.

Your editorial on the unfolding of events with respect to the arrest of social activist,Anna Hazare and his reformist group painted the true picture of this apathetic,greed-for power driven authoritarian Central Government headed bu Manmohan Singh.Mr.Singh's previously unsullied reputation has now been tattered and he stands as a lame duck P.M,trying his very best to cover up the unparalleled corrupt acts of his Ministers and partymen.He stands shamelessly exposed in the eyes of the world and his Government is a disgrace in the eyes of the world.If he had any modicum of decency and self-respect,he should dissolve and seek a fresh mandate,considering there has been a recored number of scams and scandals in his time!Surley,he's out to shield and shelter the enormous loot of the Congress Party,which has stacked all its ill-gotton wealth in tax-free havens and would not like this to be brought before the public,even when those countries are ready to disclose everything if his Government asks for it.

Why is Mr.Hazare wasting his life and energies by blowing a trumpet before this idiotic and stupid (so called) Government which makes a mockery of democracy and loot the common man. By this method, Mr.Hazare's life would be in risk. If some untoward devlopement takes place, the movement would lose its momentum and Mr.Hazare and the movement would soon be forgotten by people.By that time 2014 drama starts and the looters dole out some goodies(out of the loot made so far) to the gullible and poverty stricken people of India only to grab power to resume the loot. The best thing Mr. Hazare to do is an Egypt operation and throw out this useless Government and the corrupt Italian national congress out of the face of the planet earth , by educating the people of the loot the blood suckers are making of them.

Very apt; one of the best editorials I've read. Agreed that unfortunately corruption pervades all political parties in different levels, but UPA has certainly shown a great desire to be the champion of corrupt and callous governments. Accusations against Anna, calling him corrupt, incarcerating him along with Kalmadi and Raja -- this is a joke on a supposedly mature government. Media has played an important role, and it's heartening to see media feeling the pulse of the 'common man'.

often the word used' anna supporters' is wrong. people are fed up with the corrupt system of governance. So they are protesting. Anna's voice is a chance available to them. any lay man will understand. There is no real leadership in UPA govt. A good chance given to them to come out clean is not used.corrupt elements in the govt is blocking which will lead to its downfall.but who will replace?

Corruption is only obstacle in India's overall progress and harmony. So, there is no need at all to appose a jan lokpal bill which is one more arm to combat the corruption which is unmanageable by bureuacratic reforms. And by the current movment one should understant Team Anna and UPA both are people's representatives but no organisation is engaged in protest against jan Lokpal Bill but on the contrary Team Anna is getting possitive support even at international level so, it is clear that the UPA is on a panic motion in handling the lokpal bill and the nation.

We heartfully congratulate HINDU Editorials for raising voice of people. Many News papers and chanels are now in slave of Govt. Once again I congratulate Editorials of Hindu for raising voice of people whom govt think as voiceless

Let me observe that 'stupid' is stupendously accurate here; the UPA government has dug its own grave by attacking Anna through police, and this is indeed a stupid move !

Stupid Article ! Why people are always pointing fingers at the Government. Indian people have voted for this government and they should be allowed to function.Everyone is aware that there is corruption and it is not that easy to root it out. Will take time. Anna Hazare cannot dictate terms to the Government. He has everyright to put in his voice but the same should be done in a proper manner. A person who burns the bill and who does not respect the parliament has no right to protest !

Mr. Hazare is doing a crusade against corruption.He has made an effort to highlight his protest over the lok pal bill. Instead of languishing in the jail and losing his health and life by continuing his protest with this idiotic Government,he with a team of enlightened leaders can educate Indian people about the blood suckers looting honest tax payers'money and start an Egypt operation and throw this useless Government out.

I extend to you a swell of gratitude for your daring and candid editorial.For the last couple of days, I had been struggling to seek a reprieve from the seething, surging wrath within me at the unjust and preposterous attitude of the Central Government towards Anna Hazare and the civil society he had been leading in their battle against demoalising and degrading corruption the country had been pushed into. Your editorial fetched me some solace to the consuming anger that engulfed me.
How can Team Manmohan Singh defend their despicable and undemocratic act in whisking away Anna and other civil society members. Are they unpatriotic or dishonourable or anti-social? What have they done against Parliament? After all, is not Parliament a microscopic cross section the millions who inhabit the country sent to constitute? How many reached the institution sans flowing tainted money and flexing muscle power? The people who have to bribe to realise their little needs ask these questions.

Not to be pessimistic, but this whole thing smells fishy. Leave alone the UPA govt's 'stupidity' of enforcing Emergency-like arrests...they have succeeded in making Hazare a hero. The point I'm trying to make is, if Hazare and his 'Team' floated a party which of you would not vote for them? Hazare has a history of staging such acts, only this time thanks to the media and in no small part the UPA govt., he has really burst into the scene. The circumstances are ripe for Hazare to form his own (Lok Yukta?) party. I really hope when (and not if) they do, atleast they will keep the common man in mind if they come to power. Remember Baba Ramdev tried to get in on this as well. I do feel sorry for Manmohan Singh though - from honest beginnings to becoming the Crime Minister of India.

I fully agree and endorse the comment made by Lalita of your reputed news paper.

If congress has Rajas and Kalmadis, the BJP has Yeddys.All political parties act on their corrupt leaders only when there is an intense pressure from the public/media.So a strong Lokpal Bill/sytem is a requirement of the day as the ordinary laws which can handle corruption has been blunted by the institutional protection given to MPs & MLAs and the arrogance of the rulers.The helplessness feelings of the general public is getting focussed through Annaji.

One sentence comment; Anna Hazare is gaining a cheap publicity. He has no authority to demand presentation of a Bill in Parliament of great nation to his whims and fancy. He claims 80% of the population agrees with him. Has he taken a referendum for his claim.

This is the most comprehensive editorial that I have read on the entire anti-corruption movement in India -- indeed this is a rare opportunity to end corruption in high places!

Thanks for accurately describing the position and the inefficiency of UPA government in the article.It was indeed spot-on in telling that the government is in panic mode. Our PM has cited that there is no magic wand to eradicate corruption.It is true but the effort has to start from somewhere in cleaning the system.Instead UPA is trying everything to suppress the movement from its misdeeds.The belief that they can get through any situation from the powers of money and position is waning and there will be a true triumph of democracy.

Its high time that govt. and other political parties realize the fact that they can't take the people of the country for granted, play dirty politics and snatch basic right of corruption free governance. We need to teach these babus and netas a lesson for their deeds. They are worse than the Britishers, atleast Britishers did something good by imparting mordern education, ban of sati, telegraph, post-office, rails etc. But these politicians are eating away the money of common people. Development in villages is in reverse - 15 years back i remember, there used to be electricity 20 hours a day in my village, not its hardly 8 hrs a day. Best of luck to Anna, we are all with him in this motion!

Great article which sums up the current public mood. Indians from outside India also closely wathching the developments happening in India like me. Manmohan Singh has lost credibility a long time ago and it is high time let them go from power.It is not Congress Party anymore it should be called as Corrupted Party.

I have one question ... as I read it on some news website - Shouldn't criticism of Anna Hazare's movement get backfired on the government? When Cabinet ministers were asked at a briefing if there was one set of standards for Congress scion Rahul Gandhi and another for the Gandhian. Rahul had violated Section 144 of CrPC in Uttar Pradesh when he visited the villages of Bhatta-Parsaul earlier this year. The move was not just supported by the Congress but was positioned as the party lending its voice to the 'aam aadmi'. Now, by calling Hazare's protest unconstitutional and unparliamentary, the party has put itself in a difficult position. Offering an explanation to the question, home minister P Chidambaram said Rahul was externed and brought back to Delhi in accordance with law.

Wonderful and to the point. UPA and congress may pay a heavy price but that is for them. Rest of India would rejoice the end of Congress. We (Indians) want to rule our country and do not want foreigners to rule us anymore.

The decision by the government to be seen in a larger perspective. Had the fast been allowed and some anti-social elements take advantage of the situation to cause social and political unrest, it would create chaos. Further, what is the real reason for the fast....to push down a bill written by few members claiming to represent the will of the people and among the few members, two are from same family.....how can we expect an elected government to buckle under such pressures...even if it does, does it portend well for the future...will it not become a precedence for others to take up the cue and insist on demands convenient to them? Gathering crowd is not a difficult task in a country like ours...and there are skilled and trained persons to mobilize huge crowds just to show solidarity and support.We cannot be carried away by this...however, i am not trying to justify the bill brought forward by the government.It needs to be discussed and a law to be made.

Very enlightened editorial. Now the issue of basic fundamental right for free expression of opinion is at stake and Anna's arrest ratifies this fact. The Govt. should have allowed him for his protest program without any riders and must have interfered only when the situation spill into a potential law & order problem. Taking over-cautious steps backfired and Anna has taken full advantage of situation. Team Anna succeeded to a large extent as they have been able to send their message to the common man's mind to raise his awareness on the issue of corruption.

Corruption is one of the reason which fetters our goal as envisaged in the constitution,and what we dreamt of.I truly want an India as free of corruption,and a welfare state. To have a check on the rampant corruption Lokpal bill would be a great check and balance measure.Also as an ardent supporter of the democracy I extensively feel the superiority of the parliament , though the cause of the Anna movement is totally reasonable,it should not jeoparadized the basic democratic mechanism which is being assigned by the constitution.I wish that democracy should championed,an must flourish and it is sustaining from the last 60 years. There must be a democratic solution to deal with the spate of action. Harsh steps must be avoided by any of the party.

Your excellent editorial close on the heels of the countrywide vociferous demonstrations in support of Anna Hazare should open the leaden eyelids of the supercilious ministers of the UPA who as a team were trying to fool the people watching them on TV. Mr. Manmohan Singh is clearly supporting and protecting the corrupt politicians by his irritating inertness. We do wish all the other newspapers in the country will take a cue from your hard hitting summation of the whole issue and spread this much needed message across the country to all and sundry.

Honesty is the best policy!

A great editorial comment that truly reflects the views of every knowledgeable Indian. This Govt is of the most corrupt , by the most corrupt and for the most corrupt. They hide under the axiom that Parliament is supreme and therefore parliamentarians are above the law. When we have such a corrupt law makers, we cannot expect any thing better from this Govt. What we need is the slogan "YES .WE CAN CHANGE INDIA FOR BETTER" to be propagated throughout India well in time for the next general election.

Thanks for an insightful article . A strong lokpal bill will do a lot of good for the society. But the only thing which concerns me is, why only corruption is given lots of importance by the common man and not an anti terrorist law proposed by the government or any other law for the BPL. I feel this is a fight of the middle class against the high class and nothing for the BPL.

Bolt-on, perfectly pictured article reflecting Govt tyranny. Keep up your stand unlike other newspapers, who try to a take a stand trying to be politically correct to trashing civil society in between lines. what an irony - a man who is leading the nation, to whom nation looks upto - is caught up in this muddle of politics. We expected better from you dear PM.

Our heartiest congratulations on candid depiction of govt.'s unwarranted action. People like you in the media are leading the nation in its war against corruption and endless evils imposed by the politicians and corrupt officials. Long live the brave voice of media truly representing the sentiments of the masses.

Anna Hazare's fight against corruption, people support to this movement are all fine. Let's for a moment assume that the Jan Lokpal Bill is passed and comes into effect. Then what? The politicians will remain the same, the members of the legislature will remain the same, the police will remain the same, the government officers remain the same, the people of India will also remain the same. There is corruption at every stage of life where the government is involved. Hence, the solution to the problem is not the Lokpal bill or the Jan Lokpal Bill. The solution is taking the Government out of the business of facilitating business and limiting its role to governance. Take all government procedures online and eliminate the need of the common man to go to Babus for clearances. The babu should be entrusted the role of facilitating the online process; make the babu a nameless, faceless entity with no scope for demanding/accepting bribes. Let's not get into who will police the Lokpal charade.

I beg to differ from your views expressed in the editorial. What the government has done is right. Anna cannot be above the law. As a citizen of this country he should respect the laws of this country. What he is fighting for is commendable, but how is fighting is not. He is literally black mailing the government and wants to supersede the Parliament, which is totally unacceptable. In a democracy Parliament is supreme. Laws can only be made in Parliament. What Anna is doing is to force his version of lokpal bill on the parliament. If Government accepts this then tomorrow someone will come forward with another bill and wants parliament to accept it or else he will threaten to fast unto death. Then what is the use of Parliament?

While the points you make in the article are pertinent, your use of language like 'stupid' in the heading does not behoove a national and well respected newspaper such as The Hindu. Please use appropriate language to make your points.

This is just Perfect. Editor, you have hit the nail on the head! What the Government fails to understand is that people of the country are not with Anna Hazare they are not even anti- Congress, they are just fed up with the systemic looting of the common man. Anna Hazare movement is just a channel for the citizens to pour out their frustrations. By arresting one individual, you cannot arrest the sentiment of a nation.

I hope that they resign after their 1)inability to contain budget deficits despite reducing subsidies 2) inability to contain inflation 3) continuing tax relief to industries when relief to the poor is being reduced 4) shielding the corrupt, and when courts pull them up -- claim that they prosecuted by their own will, and now 5) repress a more peaceful strike than I have seen any political party do.

I'm deeply/thoroughly disappointed/disgusted with Dr. Manmohan Singh. In him we had a leader who could have used his SURF-clean image to bring propriety in government dealings – but he turned out to be a power hungry, more inclined to stick to PM's chair like a limpet, looking the other way when all the corrupt dealings were done right under his nose. He had the power to clean the Aegean’s stable –full of shady dealings but chose to keep quiet. Had he had the bold characteristics of Vidyasagar or Vivekananda he would have resigned long time back. Let me remind you that A Raja and all other DMK stalwarts are in jail not because UPA Government’s rectitude but for the vigilantism of Supreme Court. So here is my request to our dear Dr. Singh - please resign. We have had enough of you hypocrisy!

In its infinte wisdom the UPA government lodged Anna Hazare in a jail cell adjacent to Kalmadi. Now the government says he is free to go anywhere but even jail officials and inmates have joined the fast. What would happen if Kalmadi and Raja join the fast? Would they also be set free as supporters of Anna?

Thanks for the well-timed editorial which makes the issues crystal-clear. But we must understand that this is not Manmohan Singh's government. it is Sonia Gandhi's and Rahul Gandhi's government. Manmohan Singh is just a hyphen connecting the administration with the real rulers, the Gandhi Family. It is the Gandhi family that has to answer for all the scams.

Excellent Editorial along with publication of famous jurist retired Justice Krishna Iyer's wise words and appeal to CJ of supreme court to preserve our constitution.No body is above law this Govt is blindsighted in their approach to corruption as probably many of them are on the list and they are behaving like what Imperial British empire did to india and have not learnt lessons that suppression of dissent will not suffice.PM shold hold talks with Hazare the only decent uncorrupt voice in India and craft legislation to bringback stolen riches from people of India.

Nice editorial and expressed fitted reply to government act on Anna and his team. Not allowing them to do peaceful fast agitation against not presenting the civil society activist lokpal bill in the ongoing session. As government agreed to his condition to end previous fast and then succeed in accepting civil society to participate in framing the important bill in the history of Independent India. But later government representative since first meeting developed disagreement with civil society on few issues and never shown their firmness on resolving those disputed issues. Started blaming against Anna and team saying that want to undermine Parlimentary system and adamant in their views not listening to the government and so on. Whatever it may be this time Anna must stick to his stand and should not withdraw his fast unto death protest agreeing government pretend manner proposal not forgetting previous act.

For once fully agree with the Hindu editorial categorically. Hats off!!

Here is a once in a life time opportunity to check the spread and also control the spread of this malignant cancer called corruption and the UPA govt goes all out to waste that chance. People know the Lpk Pal is not a magic wand. But they also know right now, the politicians have made the country into a free for all corrupt place with 0% check and control. In that context any check and control is better than none.

It is unbecoming of a democratic government for such an act.The Govt cannot shy away from the sentiments of a majority of the people across the nation.It should start a round of discussions with Team Anna to re-draft the bill. Kudos to THE HINDU for the excellent article.

The fact that 'india does not have has any political party that is not corrupt', will make india pay a heavy price. Higher class indians dont want to come to street to fight corruption because they are themselves are very corrupt and more so they are very happy with their life. Middle class are very busy by their daily chores so they dont have energy to fight corruption. Lower class does not have adequate knowledge or awareness and plus they are busy fighting for bread and butter. Above all, no one is their who can save india.

Thanks for the well-timed editorial which makes the issues crystal-clear. But we must understand that this is not Manmohan Singh's government. It is Sonia Gandhi's and Rahul Gandhi's government. Manmohan Singh is just a hyphen connecting the administration with the real rulers, the Gandhi Family. It is the Gandhi family that has to answer for all the scams.

The UPA govt will never accept Lokpal bill.....instead it will try to lead nation to mass unrest to claim failure of administration.... and reach to impose emergency..

What public anger? we don't understand. Media only create like this. Mr.Hazare want to run parallel govt.with the help of unsucceed politicians?

A esteemed News letter Hindu only can bring such Editorials. As Shri. Nitishkumar said its the dress rehersal of Emergency. I think we are also to be blamed being a citizen of India we go on holidays during Voting day. Things are changing going by the recent Election where the turn out was satisfactory I appeal to all Brothers / Sisters to please vote. Then you have the right to say about the Elected Government.

looks like you have your own agenda behind writing this article and using such strong views. Dear friend if all of us start giving suggestions on bills to be passed in government than this country will have a billion bills and the law will be of draconian period.

While I agree that there is urgency to pass the bill, I think it is more important that people are united in coming up with an effective and fair ant-corruption bill. You dont want to come up with something that penalizes innocent people, and harasses the common man. What India requires is a practical, not emotional, approach to this problem of corruption. Create systems like check and credit cards, which are accountable in all transactions more than Rs. 100., this will reduce black money and eventually, all forms of corruption.

The editorial hits the nail on the head, hard. Sums up pubic mood and the Govt.'s knee jerk reaction to recent events. The UPA's actions reflect a complete lack of leadership. While taking credit for making the RTI happen and in part, for presenting the Lokpal bill to the parliament, the Govt. should have been seen to go a couple of steps further. Had they dome that, the tide would have turned in their favour, instead they have succeeded in generating pubic anger against them. Clearly, we have many other corrupt state Governments and leaders around - many states do not as yet have the equivalent of a Lokayukta even today. So, politicians as a whole are unlikely to put their weight behind a strong Lokpal bill. Therefore, we must be grateful to Anna Hazare and his team for generating public opinion in this direction. An aging PM from the Rajya Sabha with the added disadvantage of not being a party leader is the root cause for the UPAs discomfiture.

Excellent, focussed, crystel clear editorial. Kudos to The Hindu. I believe The FM and HM goofed up the things and The PM is is under silent mode and is trying to cover up. This UPA GOVT messed up the life of Indians and is considered as the most corrupt Independet India ever come through. We stand with you Dear Anna and Team.

Well written.This is why The hindu is the true National daily of india

The editorial is 'partisan' at best and 'pre-judiced' at worst. In a unprecedented manner,the government reached out to the civil society and took their views on board and fulfilled the promise of bringing the lokpal bill in parliament. If anything the government deserves a word of appreciation for fulfilling their part of bargain. The editorial has termed the government's lokpal bill a farce. So I presume, the Hindu stands for unlimited prosecution power to lokpal for the 4 million + bureacracy,higher judiciary under lokpal among other issues. It challenges my undertanding on the intellectual capcity of Hindu editorial team on how these reconcile with the basic principles of performance management and the basic structure of constitution.
On the issue of preventive arrest, the same editorial team of Hindu suggested on why the government allowed Baba ramdev to begin fast in the first place!Does Hindu support fast unto death on telegana,Ram Mandir?!

It was terrible to watch Chidambarm and Sibal preaching Rule Book to rationalize their repressive attitude, without recognizing the anger and emotions of general public at the repetitive and mammoth scandals of the powers that be.We are extremely fortunate that we have been, we are and, hopefully will remain a time-tested proven Democratic Republic. Or else, we would have been broken down and over thrown the Governments that we might have elected, with public ire.

Thanks a lot for your support in the form a great editorial write-up, its organisation like yours will strengthen the current efforts by ordinary Indians to change the course of this nation, please continue your support

Anna hazare is fighting towards corruption which is prevailing in India in a large scale. This should be appreciated by one and all. Even though the Lok Pal bill is introduced in the Parliament including both the houses, it lacks the clarity in the bill in some aspects and this has led to provocate Hazare again to demonstrate before the zantar mantar. The Police made certain restrictions and they are all not at all practible and every citizen of India is watching the situation. It is very unfortunate to arrest Anna Hazare along with two others and sent them to Thihar Jail. These acts improves the image of the Social worker and also diminishes the image of the UPA Government. The Prime Minister and the Judicial Authorities i.e., Supreme Court Judges also should reconsider the bill and they have to give willingness to the Lok Pal Bill in toto. This is good to them in view of the circumstances prevailing in the country.

This govt has lost all legitimacy, not only that it is corrupt but also because it is throttling all peaceful demands that the corruption be exposed and the guilty be punished. There is abundant cause to proceed against the Govt to prove its innocence. If it does not do that and its clear that it will use force to let the truth not come out, the Opposition should boycott Parliament and organize nation wide protest until the guilty is punished and India’s money is returned to India. There is no reason why the Opposition is waiting, unless they themselves have a stake in the continuance of this rule by the corrupt.

The Government, by its actions is reducing Indian Democracy to a banana republic. Either the Delhi police is independent or they are not. They can not be independent in the morning while they obey the CCPA's diktat by the evening. If one word from Rahul Gandhi can ensure Anna's release from Prison, what kind of governance are we talking about? The arrogance of the government and the congress party needs to be condemned by one and all, whether they agree with Anna's methods or not. I do not certainly agree with all of Anna's methods.

WELL SAID!Kudos! Mr.Ram for writing straight from your heart!

Arrest of Anna Hazare and the ban on the hunger strike in Delhi is an act of cowardice. Democratic rights of citizens to protest peacefully is challenged on weak and false grounds. This is the beginning not the end.Lok Pal Bill presented in parliament is weak, inadequate and porous.Congress has attacked the democratic right to conduct peaceful protest with the ban on the hunger strike and the arrest of Anna Hazare and his supporters in Delhi. Both congrees and corrupt BJP needs punishment to delay any debate in Parliament since past 42 years. Popular civil movement has to be built up to ensure that an effective legislation is adopted by parliament and starvation in rural India as we see gets stopped.

Perfect commentary. Not a word out of place.

Government must immediately start discussions with Civil Society, organize open debates, invite participation of eminent corporate leaders, citizens and jurists, identify the differences between Government Version and Civil Society's version of Lok Pal Bill and try to reach a consensus. Or else a disaster is waiting to happen.

Well written article! Superb!! I'm glad that finally Hindu is writing and publishing such articles in a bold manner which are common in Dinamalar and other news papers / magazines for quite some time now.

Just watching the whole episode as the day progressed yesterday i was wondering is really worth to have an Oxford educated PM and Harvard educated HM to run this country.With their actions its evident that they are leaning towards anarchy which the British still believe in. Hope we can have a Indian coached by an Indian School at the helm of the affairs. Very sad to see all this unfold.

Thank you Hindu for the insightful article. People want Strong Lokpal. Nobody is saying that the government should accept Anna's version as the government is saying. Many of the points in Anna team's version are reasonable and should be debated and included. Nobody wants the government to fall. Everybody wants the government to give a Lokpal bill that will efficient fight corruption if not completely remove it.

Thanks for the most accurate criticism of the UPA Govt. Anna Hazare has also raised the issue of people's participation in Representative Democracy. Sampoorna Kranti Andolan led by Jai Prakash had brought this issue on the national agenda in 1975. Although Anna and his team lack the vision and clarity of JP, they have certainly pointed it out by seeking referendum on Jan Lokpal Bill.

Lage raho Anna Bhai! The events of yesterday will be remembered forever,the worst scene was Mr. Sibal and Ambika Soni quoting the rules of law under which Anna was prohibited.If it becomes a trend,it will be followed by states & no opposition party can protest peacefully.One thing should be clear to government(politicians) no one is opposing constitution or rule of law,but the people who are ruling.

Can we eradicate the corruption from psyche of Indian people so easily? Anna Hazare and company creating such a illusion that if government accept their lokpal bill corruption will finish within month.Indians firmly believed that corruption is not crime on the contrary they believed accept the NAJRANA [ bribe] is fundamental right of authority.Our DHARMASHASTRA teach us don't go to King without gift.Giving and taking gift is common rituals in Hindu society.In every activities of Hindu way of life Najrana is praised as a religious ritual.Just consider word Kanyadhan girls father`s first duty to give his daughter as a gift to her husband.If bribe is occupied in all part of our life how can anybody remove it easy way?

The truth has been presented in simply 2 paragraphs. I wish it would be a call for UPA masterminds(as they feel protecting their UBS accounts) to come out for an open discussion with Mr. Hazare & team before the media instead of misusing the police power.

What stops his excellency Mr Abdul Kalam in joining team Anna if he truly believes that corruption is the single big obstacle to India? Congress idiots will not understand until all the patriotic souls join hands to bring them down.

Very wise comment on the way the Government has handled the issue. Right on target when assessing the mood of the people as well.

I would like to ask a question.. This lokpal bill is definately going to reduce corruption in India. But is their any stronger party in india which are having more qualified people than UPA as a whole? or in other words all the parties are on the same level on corruption - who among them can ensure growth of our economy?

Some Bill(even not a strong one) is better than no Bill. We are trying to pass the Lokpal Bill since 1968 and till now we are unsuccessful. Let the Lokpal Bill be passed as early as possible. Even not so strong Bill could check lots of Corruption to transform India to better. We can always make amendments to make it stronger at later point of time. All these protests and fasts delay the Bill to emerge out of Parliament and I hope this delay would not be a long one till the end of congress govt. tenure.

Your editorial hit the nail of the head. Hope the government is listening atleast now.

The Congress just dug it's own grave by arresting Anna Hazare. Given the manner in which it's handled the issue so far, it has neither won any admirers now, nor will it come to power again EVEN if it passes the Bill afterwards.

PM must know that Anna Hazare and Baba Ramdev too have no magic wands to entice people for joining with the war against his corrupt govt. But their down-to-earth involvements could generate a confidence amongst citizens in all walks of life to imagine a corruption-free India provided proper legislations and monitoring systems are brought into the regime. Now they want to celebrate on the manifestation of a refurbished democracy around the corner and come forward to consolidate power for authorizing anti-corruption movements. They may find the demand for repatriation of all black-money out of chests in overseas banks, into the domestic economy as national asset, even as a meaningful pre-requisite for passing the anti-graft bill. It will be pertinent that the anti-graft bill must incorporate provisions to clamp all fraudulent practices and tie-up responsibility with Ministers and bureaucrats for good governance in a corruption-free environment.

It is the real face upa led govt that is they hide their mistakes and behave like a hitler. they forget that they lead a democratic country and it is right tot everyone to put their views as a fundamental right. It is black day in India history after independence.We all with Anna Hazare Jai Hind.

Let me commend you for summarizing the public mood. Though the media is responding to the call on Anna positively, the subtle sabotage of the message by a few in the electronic and print media (Indian express staff in particular) is reprehensible. They seem to be equating the Ombudsman committee to the GESTAPO. The tough and tricky questions are paraded in front of citizens comittiee members where as the UPA folks are treated with kid gloves. I hope the citizens of this country see through the evil designs of these corrupt media houses.

You are correct, especially the concluding sentence is a prophecy and wish of many people and political parties. Any elected Govt. will behave in a similar or less similar way in a similar situation. Hence taking cue from the current scenario a change should be brought in. A truly vibrant Democracy of direct public participation is the apt method. Public opinion as evidenced by the mass gathering and voicing protest should be taken as the only guiding factor to run the Country and not the existing System, Mechanism, Codified Law, Rules etc. Perhaps we can best administer and run our Democracy in a more relevant and fitting manner by conducting media survey and opinion polls on a daily basis and can dispose all types of cases and disputes through Media trials only. This will require no finance, budgetary provisions, passing of Bill, enacting Law and more specifically no politics and Elections. There wont be any thugs to rule us or delayed or refused Justice anymore.

What a wonderful, precise editorial engulfing the entire story of Aug-16th-11 in two paragraphs!!. It is an irony to jail Anna Hazare in Tihar jial where A.Raja & Kanimozhi are detained for 2G corruption charges..The UPA lost prudence in every proportion. The news that tells about the involvement of Rahul Gandhi to release Anna is a gimmick and a face saving action from the congress. Why Rahul was not aware about this plot of arrest well in advance. If he knew why he did not persuade MMS to stop it. You corrupt guys are exposed altogether and tells why you do not want this bill. Hats off once again for the wonderful editorial.

Arresting Anna was obviously a miscalculated step by the government. But don't ever try to read Facebook comments as public sentiment. There has been an anti-corruption mood ever since India began developing a massive public sector. However, the same people who are vociferous when talking about corruption are also a part of the chain and even benefitting from it many times in their lives, though most often it's the opposite. I personally know a lot of these Facebook intellectuals and activists and patriots!! Your editorial was too critical of the government in this issue is what I would say.

The present UPA government is morally bankrupt,inept and adrift. Those who forget history are condemned to repeat it.The congress, by blocking strong anti-corruption bill and frequently hiding behind the santcity of the parliament, is forgotten its history. The very party came to prominence by the same tactics followed by Anna and his team. people are fed up with this government and its jejune and uncouth parlimentarians trying to defend the undefendable.

Indeed and bravo! Better is expected of the govt, regardless of party or coalition.

The policy of this govt. which is most corrupt govt. trying to put blame of corruption on every one who are against their corruption. They are putting their baseless arguments in support of their words. What they think public is fool? You are looting public money and no one ask any question on it as you selected us for five years. If you want to ask question to us first get elected. Now public gave the answer to those who raise such question and they might be in search of safe MP seats. At the same time it is responsibility of public that they should be united on the public intrest matters and give reply in the manner they desired.

It is time for the corrupt, intolerant and autocratic government to go. It is amazing such a government is premiered by renowned economist and shame on us. It is hightime to interpolate the Delhi Police and the intelligent sleuth so that no terrorism will take place. The former's surmise for the interest of the law and order and life of the common is at pinnacle where the latter miserably failed. This nation has become a laughing stock internationally for which the people at the helm of affairs are accountable.They have no moral authority to question the release of terrorists to save the lives of Kandhahar hijack.

While Anna's means are questionable, he has a right to protest & his cause is laudable. It is disgusting that we call ourselves the largest democracy but are not aware of the basic rights that qualify a democracy !!.

Well said! Your strongly worded editorial truly reflects the sentiments and feelings of millions of 'aam aadmi' who are really disgusted with the lack of character at the highest levels in the Government. Your ending statement is really the icing on the cake!!

What Anna wants to do still not clear ! Is he a social reformer or a Politician eying on something else!In his view,seems only politicians are corrupt and rest are nice ! That is why he is bent upon to do something with current ruling government. On the contrary Judiciary, Admin, defense, police etc are main cause of the sufferings to common men. Government keeps on changing but these people are remain there. And they are the root & face of India. The change should come from there. And this will come only from change in their thinking and this cannot be imposed. It has to be inculcated. Illness is in the root rather in shoot & leaves. Anna is trying to do with leaves rather root. Even a common man will understand this. Does Anna concern to common man? In my view not at all. If he is really a fair and have some sense then he must change his course of action to weedout this social evil.

Does our constitution say explicitly that what ever the Bill that Government brings into Parliament is to be discussed and not that which people of india need? Does Lokpal bill that five wise men elected by people and are currently cabinet ministers has drafted reflect the people's views? Is it not sad that even Bills drafted by Government is passed by legislatures [ majority of them elected are criminals, history sheeters, fraudsters, dishonest, backed by muscle & money power, unscrupulous etc]and become the law of the land? Is it not shocking that all investigation agencies are under the direct control of the ruling party, which dance to the tune of the party and delays/dilutes the process of fair investigation? Even all Regulatory & Development Authorities so far created are headed by ruling party's kith and kin, rather than totally impartial who can carry out their responsibilities as enshrined in our constitution?

I agree with your contention that the Govt. has wrongly handled the whole protest programme of Anna Hazare. In the first place, the venue where he requested was not allowed and certain conditions were set. Instead, the Govt. should have given permission to Team Anna and with an option to intervene when it becomes a potential law and order problem. Now the issue is shifted from Corruption to Rights of citizen to conduct peaceful protest. The whole opposition parties became united to support Team Anna. Conditional permission for protest in this surcharged situation get the public wrath. Anna Hazare should also restrain himself and wait till the Parliamentary Standing Committee finalizes the draft Lokpal Bill.

I agree with your-STRONGLY WORDED-opinion on the handling of the 'Anna Hazare's fast by the Government of the day.Any other government in today's India would have done,similarly or even worse! Every political party is using this occasion to (i) shoot at UPA (ii)take credit for opposing, without any serious sense of
stake,considering this as UPA's Baby.Coming to the more serious matter of "Rampant Corruption", is it not time to have A CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY OF ALL PARTIES TO SORT OUT THIS MENACE? ONCE AND FOR ALL? AND PUT IN PLACE A FOOL PROOF MECHANISM??This alone I feel will stop political parties from diverting the mood of the people to meaning less debates.WHEN CORRUPTION IS CONTROLLED,an incidental,but economic advantage could be EFFECTIVE BRINGING DOWN OF INFLATION.

Such a brazen and dictatorial attitude of govt. is horrifying face of Indian democracy. But they must realize that no power can withstand awakening in masses.

Anna Hazare’s crusade againt corruption thereby mobilising public opinion are appreciable. He is a selfless character and is for a vibrant India through a strong and transparent Lokpal that brings every one in the country under its ambit. But the kind of development in terms of dilly-dally taking place within the UPA in the matter of introduction of an effective Lokpal is not encouraging giving rise to a feeling that the government perhaps is not so serious about it all. And the arrest of Anna Hazare during the morning hours of August 16 and freeing him after buckling under people’s pressure was a blot on the face of government/UPA reminding one of the dark days during emergency in 1975. The spontaneous protests across the country in response to Mr. Hazare’s arrest are indicators of people’s strong aversion for corruption in high places. Corruption has eaten away chuk of nation’s wealth and honest tax payers’ money and it is dangerously spreading like a virus to pollute the system.

The onslaught on freedom unleased by MMS and his corrupt cohorts is going to be the undoing of the so-called Gandhi dynasty.People like Sibal,Tewari and P Chidambaram are murdering the freedom won by Mahatma Gandhi.Pranab Mukherjee looked like a fool when defending the conditions placed by a Police Commissioner. All State governments which are ruled by non Congress parties can use this strategy to prevent any Congress protests.The visual media helped to nail the people who want to hijack our freedom and the mass support for Anna Hazare shook the MMS government.Not only should Anna be set free unconditionally but both Chidambaram and Sibal should be eased out of the Ministry. Mr.Tewari should be sent back to the Courts and will perhaps learn Law.

Very well written I can not agree more."Something is rotten in the state of Denmark"

Great article, time for another revolution, this time against an enemy much worse than the British raj. Charlatans ruling over this country will soon sell it off if not stopped.

A stinging editorial one of the best of our times.Kudos to Hindu for reflecting the voice of people To stop Anna's movement gaining momentum a few tips to Rahul: 1) Sack Chidambaram, Kapil Sibal at first instance 2) Sack Manish Tiwari and expel him from congress. 3) take out Renuka chaudhry from being a spokesman 4) Throw out DMK from the Govt and arrest Maran today.All TV coverage will get diverted 5) Dump communal bill for present. Hope this message goes to Rahul by some well wisher.

Thank you for finally putting the feelings nicely in this reputed paper. I am happy to see that media is doing some good work after all. Keep it up. keep the spirit up high for bringing the transparency and lucidity.

Well said. My thanks to The Hindu for articulating the sentiments of us
commoners.

Strong media voices like yours are extremly important at this critical juncture when India is passing through a silent, non-violent Gandhian revolution in an attempt to control the cancer of corruption President Kalam is referring to. I hope the Prime Minister and his cabinet find the wisdom to handle the situation sensibly before they and the Nation are swept into an Arab Spring-like uncontrollable phenomenon. As the author,"An Obscure Hindu" had often written in the Hindu Letters to the Editor Column in the latter half of the ninties, we seem to have the ability to just pray, "God, Save Us from Our Leaders".

Section 151 of CrPC, under which Anna Hazare was arrested, states as under: (1) A police officer knowing of a design to commit any cognizable offence may arrest, without orders from a Magistrate and without a warrant, the person so designing, if it appears to such officer that the commission of the offence cannot be otherwise prevented. (2) No person arrested under sub-section (1) shall be detained in custody for a period exceeding twenty-four hours from the time of his arrest unless his further detention is required or authorized under any other provisions of this Code or of any other law for the time being in force.
Thus, it is evident that Anna Hazare should not have been detained for more than 24 hours. Why did the concerned Magistrate order for 7 days Judicial Custody needs to be explained. Thus, the lower judiciary did not possess even the elementary knowledge of the law or otherwise it acted under pressure. In either case the position is not acceptable.

I welcome your forthright editorial in reflecting the mood and emotions of the common-man. In this stupid display of power, the Govt. wants to sweep under the carpet the enormity of corruption scandals. It is wonder how the other constitutional authority the President remains passive spectator of the drama without a proactive role. The High Court also could have intervened suo motu. Thus the institutional safeguards seem to be ineffective in protecting the rights of the citizen.

While I agree with most of the writer's highlights and the relating anger, it is also to be considered whether the demands raised by the agitating party comply with the Indian Constitution. Article 145 of the Constitution of India clearly sets out the practices of the Supreme Court and how to deal with issues that may arise with regards to functionality and integrity. Such is the demand of the protesters that this article will become defunct. How will the Indian Judiciary maintain its independence (which is paramount to functioning without influence) when its every action can be overridden by another higher authority? And let me remind the author that Lokpal Committee will include normal citizens! And how do you expect a layman to find an order by a judge of the supreme court to be nonsense? While I agree that we need a strong body to fight corruption, the demand w.r.t. the Judiciary is unconstitutional! And can we please know who wrote this article??

The demeanor of Mr.Chidambaram, Mr Kapil Sibil and Ms Ambika Soni on television was exasperating to watch while they offered their prepostorous explanations on the action against Team Anna. The Supreme Court itself has said that 'Be you ever so high, the law is above you' to the Chief Minister of Tamilnadu. Then is the Prime Minister above the law? As rightly pointed out in your Editorial the common man is fuming at the sheer hypocrisy of the UPA. Mr. Singh may be pure but he seems to be shielding his political masters. Will not inaction against corruption be considered abetment to it? The Prime Minister must indeed act now and fast to redeem his image.

This is the way our media makes or breaks leaders. Let me pose three issues to ponder on: Corrupt government -- Which government is not corrupt, NDA, UPA, or earlier socialist governments which cleaned foreign currency reserves -- or all governments? Stonger anti-corruption provisions in the Lokpal Bill -- The committee of Lokpal will be decided by people's representative -- PM, but the same committee decides the fate of PM or judiciary. The Lokpal committee is going to be filled by people from the same judiciary. If people are electing a PM is corrupt then if Lokpal committee is corrupt with CBI and Judiciary under them, what will be the fate of India. Do you want a monster -- Lokpal committee -- to rule India. Civil society -- India with 121 crore population few Western NGOs we call civil society? The politicians who are supporting to the core corrupt.

Very well written sir reflecting the minds of majority of the Indians. Please do your bit to ensure that the Anti-corruption movements picks up momentum. It is surely does not depend on one man or his team. It is too late for UPA-2 to even take corrective action.They will soon loose all over the country, like DMK in TN.

A bold editorial from The Hindu. Every Indian newspaper must take this unbiased stand and be a voice of the people whose legitimate concerns are suppressed brutally by this government. First the question of allowing civil protests, even the Egyptian dictator Mubarak allowed his country men to demonstrate in the capital for weeks, even after they resorted to voilence, so one must ask the question on what is this government afraid of. Second the tall claim of congress that they are fighting corruption on their own, it was in fact the Supreme Court acting on public interest litigations ordered enquiries thus leading to the arrest of Raja, Kalmadi in 2G, CWG scams, same with Adarsh and a host of other mini scams. Not in one instance has congress aggressively acted against the scamsters and looters in it's party. As an ordinary Indian I am vexed with this party, it callousness and indiffernce towards the common man even after ruling for the past 50 years. Time for another freedom struggle.

It is MM Singh who should be behind the bras and Not ANNA!

The editorial shows up the Manmohan Singh government for what it is. The Congress party which leads the ruling coalition seems to be in a self-destruction mode. The arrogance of power which its leaders have been exhibiting these days peaked on the black Tuesday yesterday. The whole nation seemed to have risen against the most corrupt government in the history of independent India within hours after Anna Hazare and others were arrested. A morally disgraced government is not what a nation facing serious security and economic problems need. Unfortunately it is such a government that the nation has!

Best is best. Success of Anna Hazare is good. His movement was against corruption and against the perparators of corruption. They should vacate the throne...they should be made to resign, forced to resign. Like Chimanbhai Patel (he was a symbol of corrution) Yes, he again came after NAVNIRMAN success. Because the Congress supported him....it is this unfortunate part of democracy that corrupt can manage to remain in power. The present Congress party should be banished at least for a decade. I wish our country becomes devoid of
corruption, pollution and over population.

Thank you, Hindu Editorial Board, for the critical, succinct and transparent analysis of the anti- corruption crusade by the Anna Team and also for the intense media coverage. It is unfortunate and surprising to note that two ministers, in the drafting team, are at loggerheads with the Hazare team, particularly, in including the Prime Minister within the ambit of the Lokpal, even after the Prime Minister had expressed his desire in favour. The simple logic that all humans are prone to error and the Prime Minister is not an exception should be borne in mind by all concerned. The way the Delhi police arrested and detained Hazare implies that clear instructions from the higher-ups were showered. The UPA government should read the canvas, vibrantly written by the Aam Aadmi, and take appropriate corrective measures to draft a Lokpal that inspires confidence and shows to the world that India is a Genuine Democracy.

" No power on earth can stop an idea whose time has come," said the famous French writer Victor Hugo. For the Indian nation, the Jan Lok Pal idea - to fight corruption had arrived. It is a pity that the UPA netas did not have the cow sense to see it and instead it wanted to preserve the old status quo and do business as usual - and then preach and lecture to the people. They even make fun that the popular support is only 90% and not 100%....

Corruption is not something new to India, I remember when I went to get my community certificate about 30 years ago, a fiver changed hands to get it. So, in some sense it is a little unfair to put all the burden on a government, or a prime minister. True, many big scandals have surfaced like 2G and CWG, but the people have been caught and legal proceedings have been taken. The current drive is noble, but one should not create a monster to get rid of a monster, otherwise innocent people might suffer. We do not want a system like communist Russia of the old days, when punishment was swift, but often unfair. What we require is a system more like the U.S. where every transaction, like even a simple visit to a doctor, is tranparent by check or a credit card, which keeps the record. Hence, people, have patience, and come up with a fair, just system to tackle corruption, not an autocratic one which will pull us back rather than make progress. Let us be practical rather than emotional.

The Govt. has lost touch with the pulse of the people. The PM has no mind of his own and is guided by the semi literate party chief and not by the Cabinet. Should a such a highly qualified PM need to be guided by anyone. He says he is in favour of PM being covered by Lokpal but the cabinet colleagues are against it. Why can't he convince his colleagues or why can't he overrule them. His aged cabinet colleagues could not tell him about the consequences of arresting Anna and only an inexperienced young man had to tell him to release him.

The editorial exposes the mindset of the 'elected', the prejudice they developed against the civil right activists who had no tag of the 'elected' and the contempt they nurtured for the billion strong ordinary citizens,perceived as soft targets to injudicious use of state power and laws. The Congress run government had unfortunately chosen to forget the lessons of post emergency upraising ! It is expected that the present government, at least now,will act more responsibly with statesmanship and bring out a nationally acceptable Lokpal bill that will meet the legitimate aspiration of our people to live with dignity and honour, without the need to buy or sell them from or to whosoever he may be for a price, under any situation. Whatever - completely avoidable - has happened in the last 24 hours, should be an eye opener not only for this government, but the successive governments as well.

The anti-corruption movement initiated by Anna Hazare is an opportunity for the UPA govt. to something to show that it wants to do something against the most powerful evil that arrests the growth of the nation.If it does not responds now it shows that it wants the existence of corruption as it is necessary for the very existence of the Congress as a political party

excellent article

I fully and whole heartedly agree with the editorial.The process adopted by UPA government smacks of dadagiri and arrogance.Look at P.Chidamabaram's statement- 'policies cannot be decided sitting in a maidan' is totally unwarranted.All the elcted leaders are forgetting that they are ELECTED and not employed. They have a duty to do to the citizens and the coun try.Unfortunately, they think it is their right to talk what they want, do what they want and behave however they want. Corruption has gone up to unmanageable proportions and no seriousness is shown by the governement to resolve this.All tactics are being tried out to break the anticorruption movement.This is only backfiring on the UPA govt.

The younger generation should rise against this handling of the situation even the right of a person to peacefully protest against the cancerous growth with in the Country and its exposure is sought to be thwarted . When thousands starve in India nothing is done yet when one seeks to starve, in protest, he is sought to be prevented.

I think the editor has got it all wrong.Corruption is not related to any single party in India.Every party has its fingers and toes in the corruption pie.Corruption has been a problem since independance, only the amounts involved have been rising with the rise in the GDP.Anna has gone down the wrong path in taking a blatantly partisan approach to the problem.The Congress as expected has gone on the defensive.Never has he mounted any serious criticism on the BJP leadership for the protecting the corrupt in their own party, so also with the left.The Congres is natrally suspicious of him.The problem of corrution will not be solved by this approach.It will just increase the already noisy political environment without solving anything.

It is perhaps for the first time that the ruling as well as the opposition parties in the Parliament of our country have realised the actual power of the people who elect them, thanks to the anti corruption movement by Anna Hazare and a few of his associates. In a democracy like ours people's power is supreme and the people have demostrated it after more than six decades of silence when the cup of their patience overflowed against the ever increasing corruption. There is limit for everything. Government's at the Centre and in the States failed to curb corrupt practices. Everyone was waiting for a movement to set things right and it came under the leadership of Anna Hazare getting an overwhelming support from the people. The media also played an important role in making the people realise their own power for good causes like abolition of corruption. In a democratic country like ours people have no option but to use their power when things go beyond control and elected representatives fail to discharge their duties properly. Anna Hazare has proved that people's legitimate voice cannot be silenced. Hats off to this great man who is sprearheading a movement for the betterment of our country.

Well said. But it is well known that Congress has always relied upon its vote bank, illitrate rural and 'educated' corrupt urbanites during elections. It seems that Congress has badly miscalculated the mood of its own vote bank, because, these people pay bribes heavily. illitrate villagers see how Congress has kept them poor and illitrate on TV. This time Congress has dug its oqn grave, it is falling because of its own arrogance, contempt etc. Congress has fallen in its own snake pit.

Bang on the nail. Super analysis. Very accurate. And to think that we voted in these hypocrites. That really hurts. They seem to have taken their second successive term in Parliament as a license from the public to do just as they please. Would it be wrong at this point to suspect that Manmohan Singh is corrupt as well? Otherwise, why the cover up? Simple as that. It seems that all the talk about the PM being an upright person has gone to his head or as they say, you can't fool all the people all the time...

Excellent characterization of the current government. For months now, the so-called leaders of Congress have been trying to fool people with nonsensical arguments about how protesting against government's insensitivity to people's wishes as being anti-democratic. Think of the irony there. The government ignoring people's wishes for strong anti-corruption measures is not anti-democratic. Instead, protesting such an undemocratic government is anti-democratic!!

Manmohan is a facilitator of scamsters and fraudsters. That he personally does not indulge in corruption is immaterial since he learnt a lesson long ago that his foray into politics gained momentum through his quality of 'strategic silence' and as a corporate scam facilitator. As long as he runs along this narrow niche without opening his mouth too wide, he believes he is safe. Another factor is that he doesn't feel he is accountable to the public of India because he has not bene elelcted by people of India.. A key pointer to this is the number of press conference he has held in his 7 years of holding the job. Maybe 1 or 2 at max

The Government is of the people, by the people and for the people. When the government itself becomes a burden to the people, they have the rights to pull it down. This is the hightime to change our leders. Corruption must be eliminated as far as possible.

Brilliant editorial; thank you.

An excellent editorial , bold and very analytical and critical guidence for those erring inadvertantly, Congress persecuting the real Ghandhian, a fateful and shameful event in our country.

This editorial should be made available to all the elected people's representatives from parliament to panchayath and our bureaucrats. May be this will open their eyes, make them honest and remind them of their social responsibility.

Very well said. It is a cause for alarm that there was no one in this bankrupt govt who had the acumen or the integrity or the intelligence to understand the mood of the nation and call a spade a spade. The elected reps must now work with the civil society to bring out a strong anti-corruption bill. The nation has no trust in this govt or the opposition -- alas, the opposition BJP is also devoid of any solid leaders. For a nation of a billion people with functioning democracy, this is a sad state of affairs. Bring out a bill that will inspire confidence. There is no other way and we as a nation will not have it in any other way.

The way the Central Govt of India managed the genuine, non-partisan, all-India, public protest yesterday was played out for the entire world to see in media gave an impression that either the senior members do not wish to remain in politics after 2014, or have already conceded defeat. Has any democratic party won elections by riding roughshod over public sentiment?

Very aptly said about the situation. The Govt. should work with an open mind on Lokpal than imposing its own way.

The panic arrest of Hazare shows how the Government is in disarray..We must take into consideration the fact that Mr. Rahul Gandhi is now in Steering Committee and the Heads of Govt. could not have taken this move without his involvement...how immature this action shows his ability to lead the Nation as some people aspire...By arresting Anna the Govt has precipitated the problem..

greed and arrogance have made this government blind to the public pulse...i've never seen a government so out of touch with the population

A strong Lokpal with a rotating jury involving every citizen to watch over every department will put the responsibility and power back to the people. They will get a sense of belonging while transparency will build a sense of ownership.
If people understand what efforts go towards every decision and the rationale behind it, the needs of the poor that have to be balanced with the contribution of the rich businessmen the society will be cohesive with less protests, less apathy to public property and more participation in debate for solving problems. This paradigm shift being a new experience holds many fears but it is being done in most developed countries with good results. It will take off a lot of burden from the government rather than increase the burden.

You hit the nail right on its head ! Any government which acts with such impunity deserves to be brought down. These 'leaders' are not ready to unlearn the politics and political methods they learned over the past 60 years. Careers, families, lifestyles and businesses have been built on the existing (corrupt) system. The stubbornness to pass a bill that will stem the flow of the lifeline (money) of these lifestyles is a result of this system. Down with this system.

Well written.

Great editorial! The government trying to dismiss the cause of fighting the corruption as a simple law and order issue. What are they afraid of having a strong anti-corruption bill? Are they afraid that it may expose the web of corruption in which the big fish might end up found? This is the government in a panic gave independence to Telangana in the middle of the night. Now in a panic, the government is adopting desperate moves which only adding fuel to the fire. The actions are at best stupid and at worst suppression of liberty.

The first line of this editorial sums up the status of the Government in Centre. The executive is controlled by the persons who do not answer for the actions of the executive. Unless the Congress party comes out of the yoke of the family name the party and the nation will suffer with such brutalities a la arrest of Anna.

When The Hindu expects the government to behave properly with the civil society, its editor can use the more appropriate language instead of using the word 'Stupid'.

So clear and so to the point! I am gratified and proud to be a devoted reader of The Hindu for decades. So many governments across the world are following short sighted, greedy, corrupt and anti-common-people policies leading to hopelessness and despair in the populous. President Kalam's chracterization of the conditions is as clearly descriptive as can be. People are bound to rise in reaction and wise governments know the bounds and keep clear of the reactions. Prime Minister is repeatedly advertised as pure and non-corrupt. But his current stance is intellectual corruption.

The edit hits the nail on the head. A government that arrests and subverts peaceful protesters and protests is undemocratic. When it uses 'law and order&' as both the reason for the arrest and subsequent release - all the while stating that there is no political interference in police actions - smacks of utter misuse of powers. This should not be tolerated by any right minded citizen. The UPA government has lost its credibility as well as any and all moral authority to continue to at the center. Resignation at this instant would provide Prime Minister Singh of one last opportunity to atleast incrementally salvage what remains of his reputation when the history is written.

I'm deeply disappointed with this Editorial for its characterisation of the Government's version of the Lok Pal Bill as a 'farce of a bill'. To a dispassionate observer, the Government's bill appears to be on a much stronger footing than the much vaunted 'Jan Lok Pal bill' that Shri Anna Hazare and his team are attempting to push through. While agreeing with the Editorial on the moral and tactical stupidity of the Government in preemptively arresting Shri Hazare, I strongly disapprove of your outburst against the Government's bill.

Great article! I fully resonate with your views.

An editorial that was spot-on. UPA is failing to read people's mind yet again and this time is going to pay a hefty price. Sooner they realize this the better for them. Excellent Hindu - atleast you read us right!

It is clearly evident from the chronology of events that the Congress led United Progressive Alliance is in its twilight days. The progressiveness is active only in possessing illegal assets and pilfering the exchequer's money without any conscience. So we may come to a conclusion that it is progressive only in performing conscienceless activities and when concerned with nation building its only regressive and may be rechristened as United Regressive Alliance.

Congratualations for repeatedly exposing the misdeeds of the shameless government, which is prepared to go to any extent to crush the right to protest, through your editorials. It will have to pay heavy price, may be much earlier than 2014. People are tired of the nonsensical staements of the ministers, including the Prime Minister,and the ruling party members.

I would like to express what Indians all over India wish: Hope plays an important role in the life of every human being and Anna as a true Gandhian has never given up his dreams and hopes for a prosperous and stable India free of corruption and he feels a big desire to achieve that wonderful goal with his supporters from all walks of life. His dream, hope and wish is noble and precious and the majority of Indians see an old man with strong convictions, who legally and peacefully tries to achieve and to fullfill a wonderful dream. The dream is so simple and true. An India without corruption, a nation the people can be proud, a nation called the biggest democracy on earth. A prosperous and stable India with opportunities for all Indians. A nation and a country that offers its citizens a bright future with chances for the poorest of the poor to lead a life in dignity, with jobs and education for all children. Primary healthcare for all, a working infrastructure, no illiteracy, a working social welfare system for the needy and poor.
This idea of Anna is wonderful and therefore his movement grows all over India. Indians realise change is possible for a better future for all and Anna Hazare uses a simple tool to achieve justice, equality and eradication of corruption, he fasts. The Father of the Nation GANDHI used it and it works and the world will see one day there is an India without corruption. I wish you the best Anna. You are taken as an example by many.