"Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely"! There is a reason why a regular change of governments is a good thing in a democracy . One group in power term after term starts abusing power to preserve its power. Twenty sixth amendment to US constitution bars any one individual to be elected to the office of the president more than twice. History has shown that it was pretty good thinking by Hoover commission. Imagine what could have happened if Junior Bush had the opportunity to come back a third time in 2009 ! Although his replacement has not covered himself with a lot of glory, but that is another matter.
I was reminded of all this the other day when in a mid night swoop thousands of sleeping citizens were tear gassed and baton charged in Delhi.They were a threat to peace according to Chidambaram!!
Corruption is a way of life in India. Let us face it. Some of the biggest corrupt individuals are the ones holding the levers of power. Ramdev did not embezzle public money in the garb of conducting Asian games; Suresh Kalmadi did. He did not defraud public exchequer by doling out spectrum way below market price in exchange for bribes; Raja did. Both are parliamentarians and members of the ruling government .This story can go on and on.
So Ramdev's financial worth is not an issue. Issue is lack of probity in people who govern. If Ramdev is heading an agitation to stop graft and black money from eating into the vitals of the society. Why is that an issue with the government . If they have nothing to hide that is ! Just because baba Ramdev is a financial success he does not lose his right as a citizen to object to graft or lead a campaign against corruption.
The other argument that he is challenging the supremacy of the Parliament is not even worth consigning to dustbin. A democracy is about people, not about their MP's and it definitely is not for the benefit of wayward rulers. There is nothing like US twenty sixth amendment in the Indian constitution. People themselves will have to make amends while voting next time.
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