Corruption is
not new to India .
Our country has been a front runner in this field of socio-political malady in
the global perspective. It was, it still is and will remain so in the near
future. Our country has been the biggest Exchange for favors, nepotism and quid
pro quo deals. The more the clout and influences one amasses the more capable is one in granting big favors and extracting bigger favors. This has been the way
of life rather than being a crucial part of corruption. No, this is not being
negative or cynic, this is being realistic.
But the
commonest forms of corruption like having to give bribes for every possible
existential act on this earth and looting of public money did torment a major
chunk of the population. Therefore when Anna Hazare started a campaign against
corruption and demanded a stringent anti-corruption Lokpal or Ombudsman Bill
they welcomed it heartily. Then, as we have seen in the pages of this site,
politics started taking over the movement and Anna’s main lieutenants left the
crusader in the lurch for the greener pastures of politics.
Anna Hazare's chief
lieutenant, once publicly secure in politics, began his shows of suspense and
drama on a daily basis. In prime media focus of the national capital he began
to expose people in power and high connectivity submitting ‘proofs’ lavishly.
But in India
no proof is enough proof as the most rabid criminals committing crimes in full
public view can still go on fighting legal battles for years and years. The
ensuing process of countering ‘proofs’ with ‘proofs’ and 'charges' with 'charges' adds the drama and unravels
twists and surprises making his shows and the sequels entertaining for all and all time
favorites for the media. But like the affected political parties by his exposes
the chief lieutenant’s interest is also politics. If finally he is able to
provide a political alternative it’s okay for the moment, but if he fails in
that the voters of this country are bound to be caught in the dilemma of the
century throwing the gates open for anarchy.
The chief
lieutenant would need relative honesty and loyalty desperately if he wants to
succeed in his mission of capturing power and changing the system. But honesty
is fast becoming a thing long forgotten and loyalty is the hardest one to be
found in India .
You must have seen in umpteen movies how even in crimes people are not loyal.
When the partners in crime finally succeed making the heist they indulge in
killing-each-other spree so that only one could enjoy the booty. In real life
too you must have found how some people are not honest even in corruption,
meaning they will not do your job even after devouring your bribes.
What is the
point in going on exposing the species that is in absolutely no danger of
extinction? And even if someone gets really nailed by the ‘proofs’ it will only
increase the ever expanding burden on the Indian courts with no ‘nailing’
verdicts expected in years to come. For a change why not try highlight examples
of honesty, of course if you manage to find one. But politics has its own logic
and tactics. If an eminent elected representative says that the amount of money
involved is too small to justify a certain alleged corrupt act other
politicians do listen and try going for acts involving larger amounts so as to
avoid possible inferiority complex, if we can say so!
Come tomorrow,
the chief lieutenant is set to expose a much bigger one! The suspense drama is
set to continue. Where do we go from here? Well, why bother, better enjoy the
show!
