Is Anna Going to be Guru Dronacharya?

A special report published by DNA analyzed that Anna Hazare's move to support Mamata Bannerjee's Trinamool Congress (TMC) for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections is of an identity crisis.

The 74-year-old Gandhian became a household name in 2012 after his sustained campaign for the jan Lokpal Bill. He was supported by the likes of Kiran Bedi, Arvind Kejriwal who were part of the Indian Against Corruption movement. In August 2012, Anna brought the Congress-led UPA government to its knees over a period of 12 days before he ended his hunger strike after 288 hours.

The movement for the Jan Lokpal Bill soon frizzled out and Anna parted ways with Kejriwal over the need to enter active politics to push the bill. Difference of opinion has created a widening chasm between the two leaders since. In recent weeks however, Anna had been sending signals that he had changed his mind.

Anna sighting the reason of his letter about 17-point agenda to run the country stated that Arvind Kejariwal did not reply to his letter so there is no question of supporting him. But according to the sources AAP never received such letter from Anna.

On Mamata taking strategic advice from Anna, political commentator Urmilesh commented, "On a personal level, this is indeed an identity crisis for Anna Hazare. But more than that, it is a crisis for the country's politics that our leaders have to go to Hazare to act as an electoral prop."

"For Hazare, it is an effort to create an alternate image of simplicity against Arvind Kejriwal by allying with Mamata Banerjee. For Mamata, roping in Hazare is essentially aimed at creating a credible national political face as she is eyeing national intervention," Urmilesh added.

TMC MPs categorically said that it was Anna who approached the party, indicating that it is Anna who needs people more than anyone else. A TMC MP told DNA on condition of anonymity, "I think what has been said is very clear. Anna Hazare will campaign for us. In any case we never approached Anna. It was he who got in touch."

All this while the analyst missed a point to mention that Kiran Bedi who was all the time with Anna against Arvind Kejariwal is almost lost in the NaMo’s campaign and there is none who is in support of Anna now. Ironically, he was the one who had started the movement ‘India against corruption’.

May be he was averse with the active politics then, but now realizes that it is the requirement of the time. In any case his lieutenant Arvind Kejariwal would be more than happy to keep him on the golden throne and in limelight then why is he choosing to side with Mamata.

Anyways, if the decision of Anna to go with Mamata brigade is final then it would seem Anna is going to play the role of ‘Guru Dronacharya’ in this battle of Mahabharat fighting against his own pupil Arvind Kejariwal.

Is Anna Playing Politics for Ego?

Once again Anna Hazare has shown his displeasure for Arvind Kejariwal. He said that Arvind is eyeing for PMs Chair. Earlier he had said that he is looking for power. Perhaps he is misguided and misinformed always about AAP and Arvind Kejariwal or he is implementing hidden agenda of some political party for their gain.

Why is he so upset if AAP comes to power or Arvind Kejariwal becomes PM of India? Whom does he want to become PM— Naredra Modi, Rahul Gandhi or Mamta Banerjee? 

On Tuesday he voiced his support for Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal. "I support Mamata, not for her party, but I support her views on the society and the country. I support her values and intentions," he had said in a joint press conference with her.

Mamata’s intention and values! Perhaps Anna is getting fooled or he is trying to fool the people of India. Is he not aware about the intention of AAP? Why does he treat AAP and Arvind Kejariwal as untouchable?

Anna said that Mamata was the only Chief Minister who responded to the 17 demands sent in a letter by him to every CM. "Arvind Kejriwal didn't reply to my 17 demands, there's no question of supporting him," he said.

These statements seem to be clearly crafted as Kiran Bedi statements towards AAP and Arvind Kejariwal. It is doubtful that Anna and Arvind saw different dreams being together. Arvind Kejariwal invited Anna and Kiran Bedi to be the part of AAP movement. People cannot deny those  interviews in media even before coming to Delhi Assembly calling Anna and Kiran Bedi for greater cause.

Sadly, Anna should be proud that one of his disciples fought the election alone and moved so far. Instead of supporting him he is criticizing him and choosing one who had danced on the JP’s car when he had reached Kolkata to unite opposition against emergency in 1977. Mamata Banerjee was in youth congress then.

“She has not taken a car or house despite being a CM. As a CM, she could have led a luxurious life, like many other ministers. But she stays in a small room," Anna added. He seems to be fancied or else he has other agenda to fulfill.

Personal simplicity alone is not enough when you lead the country. Its your dream and vision that can change the fate of the people in the country. Currently, that imagination of Arvind Kejariwal and AAP has caught the attention of the people and everyone is looking towards AAP and Kejariwal.

Anna compromised on Lokpal bill passed by parliament even if it meant nothing to reduce corruption and clean public life. Arvind rejected that and introduced the Jan Lokpal Bill in the Delhi Assembly. This shows the determination and conviction of him committed for larger cause uncompromised.

It will be too early to say how Anna’s support will get Mamata Banerjee close to PM’s chair. But is it not the fact that Anna helping Mamata fulfilling her PM’s aspiration. Can someone deny Mamata Banerjee is not eyeing PM’s post?  Is it merely Anna’s ego?

If so, how relevant is Anna’s comment. Will people take this as a regular exercise of media to commit and vomit against AAP or should people take this seriously? Perhaps judgment of the people is more interesting to note in coming days.