Team Anna’s decision to book New Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan for another round of fasts from December 27 indicates that, no matter what, the crusaders want to continue their agitation. The Lokpal Bill, due to be introduced in Parliament in the ongoing Winter Session, is yet to see the light of day, but Team Anna is already determined to oppose it. Thus, whatever the final shape of the bill, Anna Hazare and his colleagues feel sure they won’t like it. This reflects the deep cynicism of the campaigners about the legislative process and their own refusal to engage in debate and dialogue.
This has been, by and large, the attitude of Anna Hazare and his voluble cohorts. Their decision to campaign against the Congress in the Hisar byelection, roundly criticised for its partisanship, was an early indicator of their blind antipathy towards the party and the UPA. Their subsequent behaviour — constant carping as well as an insistence of getting their own version of the bill enacted — strengthens the impression that the group’s ambitions go far beyond just the Lokpal Bill.
Such an approach is bound to affect its credibility. Its leading members are already embroiled in monetary scandals or have been pilloried for their bizarre statements. If Team Anna is serious about getting an effective law against corruption passed, it should continue constructive engagement with the government and the entire political system rather than be in a permanently agitationist mode. That will show it is sincere in its objectives.