Anna Hazare and Gandhi are indeed the same

Yes Mahatma Gandhi fasted for and against many bills and legislations. So did Anna Hazare. There are many similarities indeed but it’s not limited to what every “I am Anna” cap wearer on about.

Anna Hazare wanted to get a bill designed and agreed upon by a small section of National Advisory Council (NAC) passed in the parliament. This bill is far from perfect and to make a common understand its nuances is almost impossible. So what the team did was, simplify the bill into simple words the general public can understand. Words like “Anti-Corruption” and “India against Corruption” were thrown about with abandon. A massive marketing campaign was initiated and leveraging the frustration of the common man due to recent events managed to get popular support.

Mahatma Gandhi used a very similar tactic. Mr Gandhi’s motives were complicated as well. He simplified his ideas into simple words as well. “Jail Bharo”, the non-cooperation movements and burning of British goods, making Khadi clothes were simple and easy to follow instructions.

Both Anna and Gandhi did their own fair share of dirty politics as you might call it. It might not seem dirty to you but it is, deal with it ! Both took support from questionable sources and abandoned their comrades with things got bad. Both took advantage of the weakening of the established Governments.

Gandhi was opposed by many in his own camp and from outside. Fun Fact: B R Ambedkar was vehemently against Gandhi’s ways of dealing with untouchables and dalits who Gandhi called HARIJANS. The words used by Mr Ambedkar for The Mahatma were “devious and unworthy” And there are plenty against Anna as well. Aruna Roy and many other NAC members are the more visible opponents.

One needs to understand that there can never be a leader in India who is perfect. There are plenty of rumors about Gandhi that have been suppressed in the media that will make you puke. The various corporate backed members in the Janlokpal bill and the massive donations received by the Lokpal team members NGO’s is not a co-incidence. But such news are never highlighted and usually hidden from the public eyes.

Hence I think Anna Hazare is indeed a true Gandhian. A manipulator, smart and ruthless Man backed by an ignorant public but who mostly has respectable intentions in the end.