Hazare's protest

It is not any ‘outside' force (as claimed by the Congress) but the ‘force' called corruption that is inducing people to come out in large numbers in support of Anna Hazare. It is evident that the UPA government is concerned more about taking on him, not corruption. Instead of targeting him and seeking to divert people's attention, the Congress-led coalition should think of some constructive ways of adding weight to the Lokpal Bill. Whether or not people support Mr. Hazare, they feel that the government Bill is a fractured one.

S. Pravish,

Chennai

A few have described Mr. Hazare's protest as blackmail that undermines Parliament. But can they tell us how to end corruption, now that the Prime Minister has said he doesn't have a magic wand to eradicate it? It is not just the Congress but the entire political class that is against an effective tool to curb corruption.

No system is foolproof. Laws, including the Constitution, are subject to change in the interest of the nation. All that Mr. Hazare is doing is mobilising public opinion to rectify some flaws in our system. Can't Parliament, which accommodates even those who have criminal cases pending against them, consider Team Anna's Jan Lokpal Bill?

Biranchi Narayan Acharya,

Cuttack

Mumbai dabbawallahs' decision to strike work for a day, breaking a 120-year tradition, to support the Jan Lokpal Bill points to the remarkable assertion of the common man against the growing menace of corruption. It is an unmistakable demonstration of the importance the country attaches to good governance.

K.V. Raghuram,

Wayanad

A strong Lokpal is the need of the hour. Mr. Hazare is the right person to lead the fight against the political class which has showed no resolve to eliminate corruption. The movement against corruption should not be seen as a showdown between the government and civil society. Every citizen has the right to a corruption-free administration.

Basavaraj Revannavar,

Dharwad

I am amused on reading the reports, articles and letters on corruption. Everyone knows what the sources of corruption are. We know full well that nobody can buy or sell property, get an electricity or water connection or work done in a government office without bribing. We all know that educational institutions bribe the higher bodies to get recognition. There are institutions where bribe appears ‘legalised.' But nobody even murmurs because all of us are interested in getting things done at the earliest.

We also know that corruption and black money can be reduced to a great extent if we make the punishment for the offences stringent. What is lacking is the will.

A. Ramadas,

Puducherry

Some readers have expressed the view that we should stop bribing in our day-to-day lives if corruption is to be eradicated. Common people do not give bribes willingly; they are forced to pay. Of course, there are a few who bribe others for selfish reasons. But most people offer bribes because they have no choice. Mr. Hazare is doing what people want, which is why they are with him. What other option do they have?

Rajapandi Selvaraj,

Chennai

The allegation that Mr. Hazare is obstinate and unreasonable is misplaced. To brand his agitation a blackmailing tactic is unfair. Was the Dandi march against the salt tax unlawful and belligerent? If yes, then Team Anna's protest is anti-everything too. It is apparent that no politician wants an effective Lokpal.

Anilkumar Kurup,