Anna's victory gives a reason for India to stay positive

“I am disappointed with the leaders at the way events unfolded today. I feel cheated. At first, they said there will be a voice vote. Then they did not have one and did not even say they did not,” said Pramod Ghorpade, one of the thousands who waited for long, on Saturday at Freedom Park.

The young IT professional summed up the mood of the crowd that had eagerly looked forward to a positive development. “I am okay with the resolution. But I am not okay with the way things went,” he said.

Announcements that Anna Hazare had agreed to a voice vote in Parliament and that the talks were on to end the impasse had got supporters excited. However, the wait did not yield much results, as the evening ended with an anti-climax.

“We all expected a voice vote, but that did not happen. They came up with many technicalities, which the common man did not understand. There were many flip-flops since morning,” said Vaishnav VA, a techie.

“We hope that the resolution is as good as a voice vote. The
positive thing is that at least people have succeeded in making
Parliament listen to their voice. I sincerely hope that they are sincere in whatever they do,” he said, adding that if they go back to their old ways, politicians will cheat people and again the movement will gain momentum.

The 12th day of the fast had complicated matters, but had also brought clarity.

“The politicians are playing hard to get. We’re confused whether the demands will be met in its entirety or if there will be some loopholes,” said Supriya S, a doctor who had watched the day’s developments on TV and walked into Freedom Park in the evening.

“For 12 days, they have held the nation to ransom. Even after today, I am not sure what will happen. Until I see it in print, I will keep my fingers crossed,” she said.

“For the first time, I am getting to see how ruthless and cold-blooded the elected representatives can be,” she said.
“It doesn’t matter what happened. What will happen next is what matters,” said Vishwanath HD, an employee of a multinational firm.

As candle flames flickered, participants shouted slogans with the same energy as they did earlier during the day. “Politicians have taken us for a ride for a long time. They cannot take us for granted,” said Guruprasad KP, a business analyst.

“There was no voice vote so we will consider that was a unanimous decision. We will hold every political party responsible. If anyone backs out, we will question them,” he said.

A day’s disappointment will not take away the hope the movement has generated. “I am not sure about the immediate future, but I am positive about the long term,” Supriya said.

“It’s amazing that people finally got together. It is beautiful to see Indians unite,” said Mala Sibal, a doctor.

“The movement has sowed the seeds of patriotism in young children,” said 74-year-old Pushpa Sibal.

“When we were kids we learned about Gandhi and Nehru. Children did not understand this; they never had a chance. Now they do,” she said.

The movement should be seen for the many effects it has had on all kinds of people. It’s not just about one resolution or the Bill, the supporters said.

“For the first time, it is urban India that has come out and not the poor,” said a telecom company manager.

Many felt proud to be a part of Anna’s fight — a revolution that they believe will bring a positive change to the nation.