'We want to pressure the government and assert our rights as citizens.'
Arvind Kejriwal received the Magsaysay award in the Emergent leadership category in 2006. A mere five years later, he has far surpassed that milestone, winning acclaim and notice for the way he conceived and crafted Anna Hazare's anti-corruption movement. He talks to Vidya Subrahmaniam about the Jan Lokpal campaign, what it accomplished and why it often became controversial.
The scale and spread of the Anna movement have baffled many. How did this happen?
A movement cannot be created out of nothing. In this case, anger against corruption was at the point of eruption. Then two things happened. One, instead of merely echoing the anger, the Jan Lokpal Bill (JLB) offered a solution. Second, Anna emerged as a credible leader at a time of huge leadership crisis in politics. See, people did not understand the details of the JBL. They simply saw it as a “dawai” [medicine] for corruption. It is the combination of a solution and a figure like Anna — who lived in a temple with no assets — that clicked.
When we conducted referendums on the JLB, we used to try and explain its contents to people. But they said they did not want to understand the details. They just wanted to put a mohar [stamp] on Anna.
How did you communicate your message to such a large number of people?
Technology played a key role in this. When in January this year, India Against Corruption (IAC) member Shivendra suggested to us that we use Facebook to publicise our rallies, I dismissed it saying Facebook has a limited, urban following. But Shivendra went ahead. We had planned a single rally on January 30 at the Ramlila Maidan. But because we connected on Facebook, we were able to conduct simultaneous rallies in 64 cities. SMS texting also played a critical role. Our SMS communication was designed very intelligently. A company in Mumbai suggested we ask for missed calls as a mark of solidarity. Missed calls cost nothing. In March, we sent out two crore SMS messages and got 50,000 missed calls. Then we targeted the 50,000 callers, asking if they would like to enrol as volunteers for IAC. Initially 13 people responded. We sent two more rounds of messages to the 50,000 callers. And in just one week, the number of volunteers swelled to 800.
Surely television played a disproportionate role in projecting the movement.
TV certainly helped, both when Anna sat on a fast at Jantar Mantar and then at Ramlila Maidan. But the media cannot create a moment. They can at best magnify it. The crowds at Ramlila and the crowds that followed him when he left for Medanta hospital were not manufactured.
There have been reports of dissensions within the Anna camp. Also that the deadlock was broken only because Congress/government negotiators spoke directly to Anna.
Anna appointed Kiran Bedi, Prashant Bhushan and me to negotiate with the government. One day I was very tired and Kiran was also not around. So, Medha and Prashant went for the meeting. The next thing we hear [from the media] is that Kiran and I have been sidelined, that we are hardliners, and we are deliberately preventing Anna from breaking his fast. This was disinformation by the government.
You started with the maximalist position of “Jan Lokpal Bill by August 30 and any amendments only with Anna's permission.” From that to accepting a “sense-of-the-house” resolution that was not voted upon — wasn't it a climbdown?
When we started on August 16, there was such an overwhelming response that we thought the government would agree to our demands. People wanted the JLB. After a few days we realised that there was a serious leadership crisis in the government — negotiators were constantly backing off. In the last three days of the fast, it happened four times. The Prime Minister made a conciliatory statement, Rahul Gandhi went off on a tangent. Salman Khurshid, Medha and Prashant sat together and drafted a resolution. Next day [August 27], at 1.30 p.m., Salman said no resolution. It became clear to us that what we wanted — Parliament voting on a resolution containing Anna's three demands — was not going to happen. Therefore we had to change our strategy.
Are you satisfied with the resolution that was adopted? It is not categorical and leaves escape clauses.
We are satisfied because it contains Anna's three demands. It will not be easy for the Standing Committee to renege on Parliament's commitment. We will be keenly watching the Committee's proceedings and the MPs also ought to know that they are on watch. I know, of course, that it is a long journey ahead.
Kiran Bedi told a TV channel that at one point when all seemed lost, a miracle happened: L.K. Advani called her and gave her his word that a solution will be reached by the following evening [August 27]. She also said that the Bharatiya Janata Party, which until then was ambiguous on the JLB, changed its stand and offered full support to Anna.
We met the leaders of the main political parties thrice and as part of this we also met Mr. Advani. However, we have been clear that no BJP leader or leader of any communal organisation will share the stage with us. This is the decision of our core committee. As for Kiran talking about Mr. Advani, please put that question to her.
So are you an apolitical movement?
No, we are political but we are concerned with people's politics. The movement will always remain outside of political parties and outside of electoral politics.
You will not float a political party?
No, never. We don't need to get into the system to fight it. We want to pressure the government and assert our rights as citizens. Everyone who has a dream need not get into politics.
Doubts have been raised about the credentials of those who have donated money to IAC. Sometime ago, a citizens' group from Hyderabad wrote to you saying it was shocked to see some very discredited names in your list of donors.
A number of people have contributed money to the Anna movement. There is complete transparency from our side. Our receipts and expenditure are transparent. But we have no mechanism to go into the antecedents of our donors. And donations are streaming in, making it impossible to keep track. If there is a glaring case, we will certainly investigate it. I know, for instance, that there has been talk of the Jindal group. But those who donated to IAC are from Sitaram Jindal, not the Jindal mining group.
Your entire fight is about transparency and accountability. One of your NGOs, Public Cause Research Foundation, received donations on behalf of IAC and issued receipts in its name. But until August 29, there was no mention of Anna or the donations on the PCRF website.
That is an oversight. We will immediately update the website and provide a link to IAC.
Another of your NGOs, Kabir, received grants from the Ford Foundation (FF). According to the FF, Kabir received $172,000 in 2005 and $197,000 in 2008. The FF also sanctioned an “in-principle” grant of $200,000 for 2011, which you have not accepted so far. Why does Kabir not mention the FF and these specific details on its website?
We did not give the specific details because we also got some other NRI contributions and these were clubbed together. I will make sure that the website gives the break-up.
Fears have been expressed about the form of mobilisation we saw over the last four months. There was anger and impatience and, some would say, coercion in your methods. During the Ram Rath yatra, too, the BJP said people were angry because the mandir had not been built for 40 years. Aren't you setting a worrying precedent?
The two situations are not comparable. One was communal and divisive and went against the grain of the Constitution. We are not asking for anything illegal. Our demands resonate with the people and our movement has been unifying, non-violent and entirely within rights given by the Constitution. What is wrong if people demand a strong law against corruption? What is wrong if they ask for the Jan Lokpal Bill?
Why did you ask for Parliamentary due process to be suspended? You didn't want the JLB to go to the Standing Committee.
The JLB was drafted after wide consultations; it underwent many revisions based on feedback. Where is this kind of discussion in the drafting of any sarkari Bill? The purpose of the Standing Committee is to take multiple views on board. But not all Bills reach the Standing Committee, and in 90 per cent of the cases, the government does not accept the Committee's recommendations. So why the fuss only for JLB which has been widely discussed and debated?
Keywords: Anna Hazare, Lokpal Bill, Arvind Kejriwal
Thanks Arvind for your honest answers.The team is a dream team.I pray to god that the team is not riven by egos.They rally have big task ahead in staying together fighting off the wiles of the government.
every politician is saying that, this bill will not control the curruption over a night. but why these politicians are not considering Lokpal bill as first step to controll the corruption. We need leaders like Anna and you. Aall Indians are there with you(except corrupted). Pl. don't stop this fight.
The whole country is being systmetically looted by real estate developers,land mafias, political power brokers and so many bureaucrats, law enforcing agencies and by innumerable persons who have power,position and money. it is an impossible task to free the poor people from the murderous clutches of these powerful and greedy
lot who are governing this country at present.
You and your team set a example to this society by igniting their minds with your confidence, fearlesness, brave for a great cause.I have two request to your team. Please consider and try to make it implemented as well. 1] When the government Side team Criticising your team that your team members are not elected by people and your demands are not the reflection [voice] of people, your team should stand in election and your demands can be more strong and will be more easy to reach your goals.[ Thus the remarks can be over ruled ]and will be big blow to the government team. [ to give the people chance/ opportunity to give a fit reply i.e. to teach a lesson to this self pride politicians ]
2] The most important problems that India is facing nowadays is the civic cleanless and failure of cleanleness due to tobacco products. a] A struggle needs to be intiated/started for strict/complete ban in production/selling/using chewing tobacco. b]Strict Ban of smoking.[Imlementation]. c] The Spitting and putting garbage, allowing sewer and waste water in public places, Bus stand, Railway stations, PArks, Roads, Government and public buildings.etc., This will give a new look to India and will be reflecting in the peoples health. I request your goodself to consider my request.
Earlier in the persona of Gandhi ji, we had a winning combination of humanity, political tact, honesty and spirituality, all brought to bear for the benefit of the common man. Today, these characters once again embody not in one man necessarily but in team Anna as a whole. I am reminded of what lord Sri Krishna said in Bhagavad Gita: "Dharma samsthapanardhaya sambhavami yugey yugey". I don't mean that these individuals are godly but some of their attributes are indeed.
Your demeanour has inspired the youth to do something to bring about the change....the desired changed...
anna anti corruption movemennt is educating the people of India to fight against corruption. The awareness in public will definitly improve the system but today midle class and poor people are the main sufferer of courruption in society and mostly rich or upper class people,whose strength is 10/20 percent are least affacted and they are willingly participating in such movement.but annaji and his team has enlightened the mind everybody.
We are with IAC in our fight against corruption. Peoples like Anna Hazare, Arvind Kejriwal, Kiran Bedi, Prashant Bhushan, Bharat Bhushan are doing great work. They are our heroes....
I hate people who tell that they will not get into the system(when there is the freedom to do so) but from out side will pressurize the system. This is clear case of threatening existing system. You can always be the voice of common people by an established system rather than showing arrogance towards the system. Blind followers has made this system corrupt. We don't need another group of blind followers.
Well done, please keep it up. But please remember that the government will always look for opportunities to hit back. Intentions and dishonesty of the government are very clear.
We are with you all the time. No body can stop you in this pious journey. "Vijay mielgi chahe der se hi sahi". The true Hindustanis are with you.
I worked for IAC as volunteer and campianed in some of the degree colleges to create awareness on JLB. problem is its easy for them to follow Anna than read 33 pages JLB document and understand it.
Carry on Mr.Arvind. Some cynics will always criticize 'Team Anna'. Please do not bother about all these nonsense. Please continue to work hard for our country. Next is 'Electoral reform, which is a must. A long road ahead. Keep it up. God Bless You and friends.
I will say this. The government may be shameless, but you guys are hypocritical. You guys spell grammar of anarchy and set a bad precedent, and offer cult personalities. In a democracy no one is larger than the democracy itself. Then you draft a draconian bill and say that is the elixir. Then you guys say this is what Gandhi did. Agreed, but my dear friends, there wasn't democracy then, and you apply 20th century solutions to 21st century problems ?! If you can do something, please increase the awareness of the people. Increase the voter turnout. Most people that are behind you, never voted. How can you crib abt corruption when you alone let it happen ?!And please tell Prasanth Bhushan that one doesn't need a gun to blackmail. Its time he understood, that.
Thank u very much Mr. Kejriwal. Yes, it is a long journey and difficult task to rectify and purify the existing Parliamentary system. Hope people of India with you for all coming agitations, not only against corruption, against all menace and inhumane activities.
I dont understand why they dont want to float a political party. They must transform the people support to mandate.
Unless anti-corruption laws can be designed to prevent foreigners bribing Indian and engaged in propaganda in India, such laws will weaken government and increase corruption.
The issue is that Team Anna is not careful enough . It should be able to identify hidden goals of individuals and political parties to hijack the movement for political gains; to grab power after unseating MMS. I do not say MMS/ AK Anto. S Gandhi, P Mukerjee etc are the greatest of all uncorrupted men and woman but to label them so is injustice. It is dangerous to generalize.
The prime source of corruption is human mind.Anti corruption movement to be ultimately successful should target the source. Prevention is better than cure. A bill to punish the corrupt is surely needed but what we are doing to avoid occurrence of the crime? Campaign contributions expecting favours is one of the biggest sources of corruption especially when done by corporate world., Politicians need money to win election So they start serving donors not people. No easy task but look deeper.Can govt fund elections? Fight to fill govt and parliament with men with men of integrity. Corruption will stop.
Jan Lok Pal is definitely a good start. It would be like the Magna Carta of India. Anyway, the words and body language of Manish Tiwari, Kapil Sibal etc spoke volume of what the Congress party thinks of the people - "we can be accomodative, but we can be firm too". Yes, you were very accomodative all the while to corruption and very firm to anyone who raised voice against corruption! We want real leaders to answer us. Not some part time lawyer, part time politician, part time magician kind of guys.
Well, its interesting to note that the Jan Lokpal bill with all its talk about anti Corruption does not want the NGO's under Lokpal. Its important to note that their case wouldhave been stronger if they agreed on the same. It is time we sought accountability of all bodies. Govt, private or NGo.. Every institution requires greater scrutiny and larger accountability.
Mr.Kejriwal did not answer why NGO's are left out in JL Bill and Magsaysay award winners can be a member in Lokpal that's not fair. Two wrongs cannot be a right. Keeping my fingers crossed as far as Kejriwal's social service is concerned..
Mr. Girish Mishra and Hargopal Singh while criticising the Anna team do not offer up any alternatives. The fact is, corruption is rampant and the government has not done anything about it. In fact, the biggest corruption cases today involves the government. It was clear that nothing was going to be done by this government or any other for that matter. It is only a movement like Anna's, with the support of the people, that could possibly bring about change. This is not guaranteed, but is a strong start. The attention this has brought about might actually extend to sensible voting in the next elections. The nation will be watching how the MPs vote on the Jan Lokpal bill.
There is a ground swell of support for this movement which was long overdue. Hats off to Mr Kejriwal, Dr Kiran Bedi for this great selfless work. I fully appreciate your commonsense and principled approach. Mahatma Gandhi appeared to be siding with the British at times, when he suspended agitations at their peak. He wanted an independent India established though non-violence. His vision of an independent democratic India, has proved right. Even USSR with all its might disintegrated before our eyes, while Indian democracy has displayed its maturity. All of us have to do our job in eradicating corruption in our lives.
After lokpal bill, we need to hang few corrupt politician to set an example so that it would be a general standard. Otherwise, we cannot get rid of this corruption disease. Let's put the best effort, pass the bill and hang few of the top corrupt politician immediately after the bill. This way people will believe the system and try their best to bring the corruption down to a great extend.
A great person and a great leader. Thank god that you gave us Arvind/Anna/Kiran and team.
A movement against corruption at all levels is the need of the hour as constituionally elected parliament took 42 years just to pass a bill on that and corruption reached skyhigh in the meantime at all spheres of public life. No bribe, no work done became the Mantra. Shashi Tharoor like people are mouthing 'democracry only through Parliament'. Agreed. But when is Parliament work with a sense of purpose without silly adjournments and 'running into the well of the house' Mr. Tharoor? People have risen en masse, as they did when Gandhiji took up the cause of Freedom. Able people, selfless people like Kejriwal, Bedi, Bhushan etc., are working tirelessly for the cause unlike the 'elected people' who have different agendas. Listen to them, Oh ye, Elected!
The list includes people like Nimmagadda Prasad - aka - Matrix Prasad - co-accused in the case against YS Jaganmohan Reddy - Biggest corrupt politician in Andhra Pradesh or may be in India itself, Nimesh Kampani - Accused in Nagarjuna Finance Scam where thousands of people lost money, Ramky group - a company facing accisations of serious irregularities. we informed arvind about it but no action has been initiated so far.
Thanks sir for taking too much pain for our nation,,,we are with your mission...
He is an Honest Man.I'm Impressed by him. All the best for your long journey. We are all with you....
Arvind Kejriwal, We trust you. You are amazing. I am sick of corruption. Go ahead. I am with you.
Indeed, it is long journey... Government, who eat humble pie twice, will not budge easily. They will put all possible obstruction in the path of Lokpal legislation. SO Anna rightly said, half battle won. Therefore Team Anna need to be very watchful. One thing, before FULL battle for Lokpal Bill won, dont open another FRONTS like election reform, land and education. Because it is very difficult to sustain mass movements.
At the heart of the anti-corruption movement lies the philosophy that >it is legally/socially/morally/ethically wrong (i) to make personal gain at others' expense (obtained through fear, harassment, extortion), (ii) to plunder national asset meant for good of all citizens (through illegal/corrupt/devious means) for private benefit. As such the struggle is against "oneself"; never against any specific political party, community or group (eg bureaucracy, businessmen, judiciary, NGOs or anyone else). Religion, caste, age, sex, sexuality, race, colour etc do not enter into this debate. IF any anti-corruption laws are enacted, Institutions adequately resourced, and they "deliver" what people are hoping for, the beneficiaries will be every current and future citizen of India. So, it is fit and proper that all citizens should now UNITE to bring about the legal changes, and then change their old habits to conform to the new codes of behaviour. Otherwise nothing will change, and all will suffer.
Kejriwal's following two contradictory points grabbed my attention. >1. "See, people did not understand the details of the JBL. They simply saw it as a 'dawai' [medicine] for corruption. It is the combination of a solution and a figure like Anna — who lived in a temple with no assets — that clicked. When we conducted referendums on the JLB, we used to try and explain its contents to people. But they said they did not want to understand the details. They just wanted to put a mohar [stamp] on Anna." 2."What is wrong if people demand a strong law against corruption? What is wrong if they ask for the Jan Lokpal Bill?" The above two points prove that we Indians support blindly on the name of charisma, caste, religion which is the root cause of our miseries. We smart Indians vote blindly to the politician of our own caste without looking at his merits/demerits. Similarly, we intelligent Indians had voted blindly on the name of religion. We voted wife of Madhu Koda of rs. 1000 crore scam.
Thank you sir your clear vision is hope of Indians. But be careful. All corrupt people (Kalmadi,Raja,Yeddyurappa, Mayawati, Lalu, Jayalalitha, Jagmohanreddy, Mulayam ext..) now will be one team to attack you.
There is still long way to go. People are not supporting Anna but supporting themselves the whole country through Anna's platform. Mr. Kejriwal's efforts are commendable who is the main pillar of this movement. Everything is transparent in this movement. It has been experienced that still there are leaders who can streamline the mob. One thing is has been proved by Anna's team that Truth is still the most powerful thing come whatever may.
Mr.Kejariwal's reply is 100% correct, 100% sincere. Good luck to him and Team Anna.
I don't see a reason why NGOs should not come under the purview of JLB. How could we assume corporate funded non profit organizations are credible and will not work towards supporter's agenda? For that matter even the social media which is corrupting our culture. Or are we assuming that if the government works efficiently rest of the system would follow.
I completely agree with Mr. Jagdish Sahu.
You are doing a great job Arvind. My support is always with you. It is tough to fight against the establishment and that too on the corruption. So be very careful.
I am all for a corruption free India. My prayers for good health to those who are working for this cause.
We are with you in each and every step of having strong and effective LOKPAL to fight against corruption. I salute 'TEAM ANNA'. I am sure govt will/should come up with strong LOKPAL. Otherwise, then can forget being in office any more.
Mr Kejriwal making fool of us. Initially he says that people don't want to discuss content of JLB. And lastly he says that that JLB prepared by wide consultations. It means he indirectly states that for better democracy It is not better to make people Knowledgeable but make them agreeable without understanding the issues and their root causes and without examining accept it because some socalled good person(incl.ramdev-intial idol) propogate it. Interestingly he sees himself in a role of doctor who believes that corruption is a disease and remedy is strict and most powerful law of the land and Bhakti to one/many idols(one he make as anna.). But corruption is a symptom of the other big diseases for eg. castism, regionlaism, nepotism etc. He is not interested to discuss the root causes of corruption. Did he fears that while examining, people also find that his medicine is not proper to treat corruption and actually leads to more centralised power structure which leads to more corruption.
Thanks sir.. I hope you can start political movement and get place into institutions of power, that way even this bad system will function in better ways.. congrats for achievement..
Do the political parties publish where they get their donations from?
thanks team anna for ur movement we r wid u for india and against
corruption
@Samiksha : Yes Janlokpal Bill has a Citizen Charter which deals with any department or body which interacts with the people. If anyone has a proof, he has the power to punish the corrupt officer through the janlokpal bill.
Transperancy, Dedication, Truth, Honesty , integrity, Teamwork,Self Confidence vision and mission were the qualities I found in Team Anna and also learned many things during this tough period that nothing is impossible if these qualities are attained by any individual. I also have due respect for Ms. Kiran Bedi and other members of core group. I did not like back tracking of Swami Agnivesh and compelling Anna to break the fast and mediating on behalf of Govt. I also have concern for Ompuri who had given strong and true spirited speech from within his heart. Though many persons I meet still have doubt in their minds that this war will reach for its fullest win or not but I still believe that if the above qualities goes on continually displayed by the Team and all indians as well , will leave no stone unturned to reach for the mission. Bravo Mr. Kejriwal... Also Thanks to PM and Sushma Swaraj.
Please keep IAC always on the right track and allow no infiltration by the undesirables.Common man's only hope against corruption in all forms is IAC and under no situation it should be allowed to become CIA ( Corruption Is Again). The nation will take care of your enemies. You be cautious of your friends,Team Anna !
Please stop criticizing these people. Come out and do something for yourself and future of our next generations and if you cannot, stop criticizing them by asking source of their funding and questioning their secular credentials etc. People supporting BJP, RSS, or any other communal outfit are citizens of India with different may be lower level of thinking but they have equal right to protest against corruption.
Arvind, Keep it up. Anna's team has done a great job, we salute Anna and team. What the whole nation cannot do since 42 years from the day anti-corruption bill was first placed before parliament but you and your team achieved the unthinkable and the Government was forced to bow down as the cause which Anna's team raised made the Government vulnerable and the Government wanted to carry on like this for infinity except Prime Minister Mr. Manmohan Singh it seems. It was like Indians fighting against the British Raj in 2011.
India is fortunate to have honest & dedicated persons like Arvind. I wish him the best. My response to commenters doubting Arvind's integrity. (Obviously, the poisonous seed has been ably planted by Arundhati Roy when she questioned IAC's finances.) Receiving grants from Ford Foundation for working on worthwhile causes doesn't amount to being an "American stooge". The Ford Foundation is open about what initiatives it's funding and to what extent. They have a searchable database at www.fordfoundation.org/grants/search that provides enough information to satisfy all. If you go through the grantee list, you'd see that Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Center for Policy Research (presided by Pratap Bhanu Mehta, a known Anna-baiter at Indian Express) are among the grantees. As for IAC collecting funds through Public Cause Research Foundation. IAC's website clearly asks donors to write a check for PCRF. And, I gladly donated and I have no doubt that the money is well spent on IAC.
We Indians feel fortunate, having leaders like you; Bravo!
Whether the JLB is understood properly by people or not, one thing people do understand is the disease of Corruption.. Team Anna has been the trigger in showing the government that the Indian people are not happy with this disease spreading.. Thanks to all of the members of Team Anna for uniting the people of India.. Thanks to the Hindu for publishing this article where Mr.Kejriwal has provided answers with a great clarity of thought.
Well, ultimately, its upto the people. Having started this effort is good, but, if we as a people do not want to be disciplined, puncual and principled, then no amount of bills and Dals will help. I dont mean just the rich people, but even middle class citizens. Does the auto or taxi driver have to charge extra, or even demand a flat fee for a trip? No, all it requires is self discipline. One can convince a government to pass a bill, but the people of the land have the burden to sustain and protect it.
I have been following the moment with great interest. Though Anna's movement is not political, it has exposed the lack of will or character or conviction on the part of the main opposition party, BJP, to put the Government on the mat. One after another many scams came to light and provided an excellent opportunity to BJP to embarrass the UPA government. Yet it lost moral ground to question the congress government for the party leadership supported too long a corrupt CM of Karnataka; that approach had created serious doubts in the minds of the people whether BJP is genuinely interested to fight corruption. A job that must have been done by BJP was done & done well by Team Anna. Though for his Gandhian approach, Annaji is referred as another Gandhi, on my part I consider him an avatar of Vivekanand for the main reason that Anna also has galvanised the youth of the country in the fight against corruption & has conveyed a strong message to them to build character & honesty in life.
Thanks a lot for framing such a nice bill...........this bill is the need of today..
People like you and Ms Kiran Bedi inspire me a lot.
Great work. I am very impressed with Arvind Kejriwal's personality & dedication for this cause. You deserve a big applaud. He is very transparent & clear in his objectives.
I'm one of many great fans of IAC. I even have Anna Hazare batch in my facebook profile. I was almost about to donate RS 10,000 but confronted by my wife. She was dubious (as usual with everything) about the moment. I'm worried now after reading the interview. I have a great respect for Aravind but this interview shows no clear vision. Are you sure we didn't want to understand the intricacies of JPL and just wanted to follow Anna and his team blindly without conscience:(? Many innocent Indian hearts will blow in case IAC is found guilty of misusing the funds. I only wish God that you are not doing all these just for money.
Obviously we need someone to fight against corruption. I don’t know whom to trust now. I’m going to re-read this interview again and again and try to understand the intended motive.
This is what I feel the problem. People do not want to know the details of JLB but they want to put mohar on Anna. Same way, we vote to the one when we see a glimpse of karishma in him. And this karishma remains for some time (I do not know why ?) and he starts doing his own without connecting with people.
Great work Team Anna. The Indian youth is with you
As Mr. Kejriwal said this is a long battle. In the first 2 rounds some victory has been achieved. The govt is trying to create a rift among the members of civil society. The team Anna ( Aravind, Kiran Bedi, Prashant Bushan, Manish sisodia) is doing a great job. please keep continuing the great work which has been started. It is nice that there is no intention of political party, but it needs a larger mobilization. So a nation wide tour of Team Anna is much needed before the 3rd round of struggle
In these hard days where media is sold out to government ,i think hindu has always kept issues alive,hats off to hindu to publish this interview .i request annaji and his team not to fall prey on government agreements,they may pass this bill and ask some publicity for congress people in election ,so dont misuse your goodwill.
Thank you Mr. Kejriwal and Team Anna for spearheading this important campaign against all pervasive corruption in India. Current central govt is the most corrupt in India's history and yet the govt is indifferent towards the issue which makes sense as any action would hinder the corrupt practices of the ministers and their minions. Even actions on 2G and CWG scams were prompted by urgings from CAG backed by civil society. PM Manmohan Singh instead of grabbing Team Anna movement as a golden opportunity to crack down on corruption has tried to discredit and diminish the movement. Indian people wonder why such attitude from our clean PM. If not for the Team Anna and Anna Hazare civil disobedience protests this govt would have done nothing and let the ineffectual Lokpal bill meet its quiet demise like it happened nine times before in the last 40 years. This is just the start and we all need to maintain vigil to get an effective Lokpal bill acceptable to the people of India.
We are with you
Thank you Arvind.You are the man of action.I love you.We need man of determination and purpose like you in our political system also.I hope,people like you join politics so that systems can be improved and we can see true democracy.
Thank you very much for this detailed interview with Mr. Arvind Kejriwal. He's the man of the moment and to watch out. Amazingly down to earth with his words clear and straight and exemplary conviction towards this noble cause, he with Annaji and team has proved to be a guiding force to the youth of the nation. May they continue to guide and lead with the same fervor and unity through this tough road and we hope it will not be 'too long' before we achieve what we demand. We're with them all along in this fight.
People like Girish Mishra and Hargopal SINGH (who have posted their replies above) are one who never may have done any thing in their life for the society or the country. It is purely their inferiority complex that they want to get known through such criticism. Bhayyuji and Vilasrao deshmukh are no more than fake coins, who are used mischieviously time and again. They were damn instrumental in the affair. calling Anna a street bully and deep regards for the PM only shows, who they are.
Sometime back our beloved PM Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee had coined a slogan "Jai jawan, jai kisan aur jai vigyan!". Now, i believe we have come to a point where we can coin another slogan "JAI JAWAAN, JAI KISAN, JAI VIGYAN aur JAI INSAAN". Thanks a ton to Anna Hazare Ji.
sir..with deep from my heart i appreciate your way of supporting anna n ur contribution in the second war of india's independence in real sense.......war against corruption ....first time acoording to me these social networking sights r used in a well appropriate manner.
The answer to the question on 'Climb-down'is deceitful, not only evasive. People who were genuinely supporting the so-called anti-corruption revolution feel that they have been cheated by the Arvind- Kiran-Prashant trio. The way they struck a deal through Bhayuuji and Vilasrao Deshmukh has thoroughly exposed them . Who does not know that it was a face-saving device? The AnnaTeam was finding it difficult to wriggle out of the situation which was harping on passing their bill known as Jan lok Pal Bill only and that too by 30th of August. Anna was telling again and again that even if Prime Minister comes he would not track back.There are reports that he wanted a compromise at the earliest. He has proved to be not a bit better than a street bully.I think they are going to be further smashed by the Parliament also. Even Anna Hazare who proclaimed that only four are in jail and four hundred dacoits are still out has lost much of the respect he had.It is the UPA govt.'s victory.
My honest appeal to my friends of the movement - India Against Corruption - and to all the supporters of Anna Hazare`s Janlokpal bill: We have shown the power of people to the rulers of this country. Now the onus is on all of us . Let us not give bribes to jump the queue, to get undue benefits or some other selfish reasons . This is our part in making India corrupt-free . Let us break our old mindset coinciding with Self less Anna`s breaking his fast which he started for us. Sun looks brighter . Future looks brighter for India Against Corruption. After a long time people power made this tyranic govt bend and PM agreed - people will is govt will. People came to know the power of a true and a non-violent movement with proper leaders thro`Anna Hazre`s commitment for the good to the society selflessly who is ready to sacrifice life if necessary .......
Team Anna without completion of achieving the Janlokpal bill , started talking about election reforms . He and his team must concentrate on Janlokpal and meanwhile they should start attacking the corruption as an NGO and see that entitlements reach the entitled properly. The biggest money spent by govt is in NRGES , PDS and RAJIV HEALTH MISSION. They should select a district in each state and start fighting the loot in these three welfare programmes. We, finally are wokenup from deep mindset of - chaltha hai - and understood that if we do not protest ruling class will become tyrannic .Non-violent method and sincerity of Anna Team propelled all of us towards this movement. If we become complacent after this first step of the total victory and shift our focus to other issues , this will be 9th time , the lokpal bill will be lapsed. Next step of the movement ; no more fasts and only -Parliament Chalo - will put the pressure on the govt as we had seen in the debate , all the parliamentarians seemed more firm on establishing their supremacy than passing the resolution . They passed it only because survey`s are telling them about the anger, determination and unity of the people power. So, team Anna and the people should not relax in their efforts.
This movement for change should continue,otherwise it will be cheating with the people.India has been suffering from so many maladies,corruption is only one of them. So,crusade must go on...
Kejariwal's reply as regards donations from Ford Foundation is evasive. Gandhiji had emphasised that not only ends but means employed to achieve them must also be pure. Applying this test, the Anna-led movement fails. Whether Kejariwal admits or not, it is actively supported by corporate-controlled media. In fact, this movement is directed against political parties, politicians and so on and is silent on the role of the corporate sector both Indian and foreign. If carefully analysed, it strengthens the case for unrestrained operation of neo-liberal dispensation.
Every one works for themselves and you and the rest of Anna team is working for the rest of us. 7 salutes to you all. You have given new hope to thousands of people in India. May God give you all the strength to fight the lazy and corrupt in this country. Whether India becomes a great country or not, its citizens deserve to live respectfully. And you are helping create a framework for it. God bless you all.
INDIA WILL BE THE COUNTRY IN THE FUTURE, WHICH INDIANS PAINSTAKINGLY BUILD TODAY. Here is an opportunity of a lifetime to participate in rebuilding the Nation - its social, political, cultural, ethical, moral laws/systems/institutions/values. Every Indian - irrespective of age, income, social, religious, political, communal/caste or any other real or perceived differences - should ask today what she/he can do to help bring about this change, to benefit his/her future life and that of the future generations, to BUILD A BETTER INDIA FOR ALL. The nation's gratitude to the millions of supporters of the anti-corruption movement is there for all to see. The Nation is grateful to TEAM ANNA for awakening the citizens’ conscience. NOW THE NATION DEMANDS AND EXPECTS ALL CITIZENS including - yes, all politicians, bureaucrats, businessmen and other citizens, who have not joined so far - also to put their shoulders to rebuilding their country, India.
Wanted to ask if corruption in the Local bodies like Municipal Corporation and Zilla Panchayat is covered under JanLokpal?
sir, i am inspired by your wisdom and courage, its not so easy to go against the government in our country, the country have full faith in your leadership. Go ahead, we are with you in this long journey. you will be real role model for this country.
one of the citizen have asked why NGO's is out of Lokpal. i saw the Anna's JanLokpal bill and came to know all the NGO which take fund from government is covered. Only those NGO which does not take any fund should be out of Lokpal and there is nothing wrong at this stage. First We need to curb corruption in All govermental affairs as it will help us to save lot of country's money and this money can be used for various development purpose directly or indirectly will improve the life of deprived people and strengthen our society.
You are amazing Mr.Kejriwal, you deserve a big plause and a salute with heads down from the people of India for your service. A personal Thanks to you.
A dedicated, down to earth, honest to core , sensitive to own conscious and that of others , truthful , meaningful , fearless person who is ready to struggle for the right causes -- Arvind Kejriwal. Any Indian can be proud of him. I haven't used any exaggeration in describing him. In this world and esp this time of selfishness, you rarely find such gems who stand up for others and refuse to be a part of system. They fight with all the powerful , resourceful and cunning groups , that be Govt itself. Its not easy ( even to think). and this person is doing it. I am finding short of word to describe his character. India is proud of you , Sir !!
Arvind is clear and upright.He is young and energetic.He is firm and committed.India needs some more Arvinds.God bless him and our country.
Arvind's contribution to the Anti corruption movement is commendable and i am so inspired by his talks, also the way he handle the things with Anna hazare. As he rightly said, the technology is vital to achieve such a big campaign. Please remember the Face book contributed major part in uniting Egyptians. Arvind is role model for everyone and we follow his foot steps to eradicate corruption.
Hearty congrats on the resounding success of the campaign.we all were glued to tv for all of 12 days,n kept praying for its success. Now i think one major task is to keep the character and the josh at high levels.the response of the public in general was very heartening.we are sure of getting success in all the endeavours,we fully support annaji and the whole team.
we need another mass movement against government oil price policy. They increase oil price according to market change. But they never decreased price when crude price came down. Really government and oil companies are anti people, they are looting the people for support lavish life style of these companies' executives.
Hats off to Mr. Kejriwal. We want people like you in active politics.
Good work arvind kejriwal. but why NGOs are still outside lokpal? They also indulge in corruption and looting of public money.
Dear Mr. Arvind, This country needs leaders like in Team Anna to make India a Super Power, I read Lokpal Bill proposed by Team Anna, it is excellent check on corruption, it contains what is need to punish the criminal, it is SAW for the corrupts, and one more thing Can I ask you and your team to select representative in every state and then at every district level, they should same like the core team, dedicated and truthful and honest persons, or identify some candidates that people can vote for them send them to parliament instead of voting to some foxes, any way you all great people you know what is good, all the best and Thank you team anna bring the people of India together.
I salute u sir for your commitment towards country.your sincere efforts to bring about change in this country inspires all of us. every honest person should praise his dedication .JAI HIND.
Aravind is a man of honor. I salute him. Dear Aravind, please carry on with your public service. Thank you. Those who have decided to do good to society can not be stopped by some confused inactive souls.
The real work starts now. All the loop holes must be worked upon and precautions should be taken to avoid misuse.
I really wish team Anna to form a political party for the next elections and I believe they can easily win. India needs leaders like Arvind Kejrival to form reforms in all domain.
To root out corruption I personnelly salute Mr Arvind for his sincere and honest support to whole team Anna.
Thank you, 'The Hindu' for this interview. I suppose it is a lot easier for the reader to articulate more objectively on important issues when the 'actual' people speak.
I hope this is just a beginning of a change in Indian society, we need People like him for changing the system in India.
We, must create awareness about the right to vote in the Democracy, the strongest wapon, which must be used for the Right person. It is high time to teach these double faced politicians like Kapil Sibal, Manish Tiwari, salman khurshid and the most arogant Pranab, a lesson. Vote them out by using this Vote weapon.
Kudos, An Unprecedented task which was smartly executed. Well done Mr. Kejriwal, Annaji and his Team. Many thanks for your unwavering and selfless dedication to root out corruption. You are all people's Bharat Ratna and wish we have more like you all to transform India into a best country in the world. Jai Hind.
This is exactly why even the often-somnolent urban youth has joined your movement with such great fervour. Mr. Kejriwal is such a balanced, restrained and compassionate speaker. His integrity shows clearly through :) All the best with the movement. We are behind you!
Thank you team Anna for your movement 'against the CORRUPTION'. I think another movement will definitely start after this bill. I hope this team will keep under consideration 'the educational corruption' because now we fed up due to this corruption. We can't get proper education due to extra unnecessary charges, we can't get employment because we have no money to give bribe and so on....... So please consider this field, i know team Anna declare this but i want immediate action.
Team Anna we are with you.
I don't think receiving money from Ford Foundation or any other group is wrong under the following circumstances: 1. The donor cannot dictate or even influence the actions of the recipient 2. All donations will be used for things that the NGO has set out to do without exception. Just because a group has donated, it will not treated favorably.
Regarding the donations, we should be concerned about how they are spent. Team Anna does not have that much capability, that it researches the minute details of every donation made. And as long as the donations are spent in a transparent manner for this 'Respectable cause'...why the general public and media is making an issue of this trivial thing. Can't we debate on the various reforms that are called by Team Anna in various fields that would really fast track India's development. JAI HIND...
@sridar Claiming that Kiran, Arvind and Bushan are just hangers-on, I do hope for this sake of this country that they do hang on to Anna Hazare and their commitment to penalize corruption as they will be facing huge hurdles. Hopefully their youth, zest, energy and sheer integrity will carry them through. As Remo says in his new song against corruption..only those who are corrupt will be against Anna Hazare's Movement. These amazing three will be in my daily prayers in their effort to create new waves to rid our beloved country of this massive Tsunami of corruption.
Announce a Nigrani rally once a month till the JLP passed just to remind the fussy politicians we are not sleeping and are watching you people constantly.
Great expectations from the IAC team going forward. I am a registered volunteer, kindly call us for any kind of support that may be required going forward.
At the outset i express my heartfelt wishes and solidarity to the full team. it is not easy to withstand the pressure from givernment and shrewd politicians who will go to any extent to make this movement fail. thanks to the support of people till end which ensured that parliaments is forced to atleat pass sens of house. so only half the task is done. we have to keep on putting pressure so that the standing committee and later on parliament do not dilute the bill. Dear Arivind we are fully with you in your next journey of electoral reforms and many more to come. hats off to u
sir i salute you for your hard work done for the betterment of every indian and india...god bless you.
Thanks for publishing this article and aware the people about JLB.
Thank you Arvind Kejriwal, Completely agree with your views. But the contribution from the older generations has been lower than required, how do you plan to address it, because once the older generation comes out in big numbers, the objective will be easily met.
I hope and request Mr Kejriwal to keep the movement as transparent and unifying as it is going now. Do not bother about the distractions. The people have faith in your wisdom and good intentions.
Thank you team Anna for rekindling hopes of millions who were despairingly looking for messiah to rescue them from sinking in to morass of corruption. When thinking of Anna Hazare cannot but recall Bhagavad Gita discourse of Lord Krishna to Arjuna. "For whensoever, Oh son of Bharata, there is decay of righteousness And a rising up of unrighteousness, then I create myself ... For the protecting of the good and for the destroying of evil-doers, And for the establishing of righteousness I arise from age to age."
Facebook and SMS played very vital role in spreading this revolution. Usually, we don't get the time to watch TV's due to our profession. But we open facebook alteast once in day to see what's going around us. Through FB we saw the reaction and response of people and we participated. This IAC revolution has a great impact on me. Today I don't want to give bribe to anybody for any work.
A good article which requires obvious clarifications to develop further credibility for the spokesperson.
Arvind Kejriwal and Team will have to think about renowned people contesting elections from their respective cities. Anna must identify people for next elections. For example, Anna can recommend any renowned person for New Delhi constituency. Just 20 MPs and the whole government will understand that India has moved in the era of 'Perform or Perish'.
I salute Arvind Kejriwal for his contribution in Anna's movement in fight against corruption. One thing I appreciate most is the presentation of the mission before public. Sir you are truly a remarkable orator and a dedicated social leader. I pray that your mission achieves full success and as a Indian I will be very proud if Jan Lokpal Bill is passed by the government in the Parliament.
Arvind needs to clarify the involvement of Ford Foundation and foreign agencies in IAC.
I feel people awareness is the best output of all this movement. Further as a citizen we need to take our responsibility to do whatever is possible. Besides JLB, we should have anti corruption attitude in day to day life.
Welldone Mr. Arvind Kejriwal.. we support you in all the movement for this country.
What next ? The challenge before the people of India is to ensure, by keeping up the pressure, that in the tricky business of law making in committee and on the floor of the Houses of Parliament a potentially powerful instrument is not blunted. Politicians will try their best to pass a diluted bill unless Team Anna is united and vigilant . It is clearly evident IN SENDING A WEAK LOKPAL BILL TO THE STANDING COMMITTEE AFTER JOINT DRAFT COMMITTEE NEGLECTING TEAM ANNA`s JANLOKPAL and the debate in the parliament where Rahul,Sharad Yadav,Laloo, DMK, AIADMK and many others were neither happy about this bill or the movement . Previlege motions are lodged in both houses on Hazare team and its supporters .We can clearly see the sense of the house . A big fight ahead.
I appreciate Mr. Arvind Kejriwal's sensible explanations. All corrupt parliamentarians must be taken to task whilst they are holding their elected positions. God Bless Anna and his team (Arvind, Kiran Bedi, Prashant Bhushan and others).
All NGOs must come under Lokpal bill - they can misuse public funds and also they sometimes get subsidized land or other facilities.
Arvind,Bedi and Bhushan used a Gandhian idea and exploited it to the hilt, thanks to the media. Anna had a genuine goal but was easily manipulated by these hangers-on for their personal glory. No doubt India needs to address corruption. But this 'Team Anna' has no profound ideas nor what it takes to develop laws and Institutions.
I think the government gave us a false sense of hope by passing the sense of the house resolution. I would have been more happier if the government had incorporated the three demands of Team Anna into the current version of lokpal bill and had forwarded the amended version to the standing committe. We have to wait and see the final version of the bill in the parliament.
Contradictions clearly visible. See these two statements: 1) "See, people did not understand the details of the JBL. They simply saw it as a "dawai" [medicine] for corruption. It is the combination of a solution and a figure like Anna - who lived in a temple with no assets - that clicked. When we conducted referendums on the JLB, we used to try and explain its contents to people. But they said they did not want to understand the details. They just wanted to put a mohar [stamp] on Anna." 2) "Our demands resonate with the people and our movement has been unifying, non- violent and entirely within rights given by the Constitution. What is wrong if people demand a strong law against corruption? What is wrong if they ask for the Jan Lokpal Bill?"
Honest and clear answers by Mr Kejriwal. Thank you 'The Hindu' for publishing this article.
Amazing personality. So dedicated over issues. India needs people like him.
We are with you, sir in this long journey. Thanks for your hard work!
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