People's voice

Don't spread rumours
The political class, cutting across the party lines, is accusing Anna and his associates of inducing people to hate the elected representatives. This, they say, will inevitably lead to the break down of Parliamentary democracy in the country. Since Independence, the country has witnessed several massive demonstrations against the government for various causes like the linguistic division of the country, OBC empowerment, anti-reservation, anti-Hindi domination , anti-Emergency and so on. The overwhelming public support did not result in the disintegration of the Parliamentary democracy. The politicians should stop spreading the canard that the anti-corruption movement is a threat to democracy.
—Arun Chandra, Mumbai

People's voice
What a historic day it was when both the houses in Parliament, realising the mammoth support to Anna Hazare all over India to back Jan Lokpal Bill, accepted Anna's three demands in toto, and a letter addressed to Anna by prime minister to that effect and to end his fast, was sent to him by PM's emissary. The UPA could have avoided all this commotion, but for a handful of arrogant politicians who seemed to be bent upon crushing the Anna's crusade against corruption by putting him in the jail. Faced with public's ire, the government had to bend down and release Hazare. Here is a lesson for all politicians that they are not above the people's voice. They must not forget they are in Parliament because of people.
—Jitendra Kothari, via email

II
India realised the power of Gandhian principles as Anna Hazare lead the nation to fulfill the commitment for bringing effective law. The people's support for Anna made the government adopt their democratic will to bring in strong LokPal bill. The movement has witnessed incredible solidarity against corruption and it has also exposed the real picture of our functioning system. The scenario shows us that there are no saints here, nevertheless the 'common man' deserves kudos for standing up against those who tried to have their pound of flesh in trying to defeat the movement
—Syed Khaja, via email

III
At last, Anna Hazare broke his twelve-day long fast, and the hard-earned victory was ushered in with non-violent celebrations ('Anna lines up other feasts', August 29). Let us hail the fact that the overwhelming support of the people has played a role in bringing the government around to realise the utter futility of opposing the Lokpal Bill, leaving them no alternative but to give in. The government's apparent give-in could also turn out to be a expedient way out. All said and done, let us accept the fact that the very people whom we elected as our representatives have turned out to be 'tyrants' who have taken it upon themselves to trample the wishes of the people. Now we are well-advised to weigh our victory in terms of the benefits percolating down to the commoners in the days to come.
—KK Wajge, Mumbai

IV
Anna's movement has mobilised a large number of followers. The people supported Anna because he was fighting for a cause on the common man's behalf. It is high time the politicians, especially the youngsters, introspect choose the follow the right principles. If they work for the people then they won't have to spend so much money on elections as the  people will select them based on their good work. It is plain truth that politicians spend money for election and later they try to get back the money spent through illegal and unethical ways.
—KN Krishnamurthy, Bangalore