INTERVIEW | India needs big poll reforms: Anna Hazare

Veteran Gandhian and anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare feels a big challenge lies ahead — large scale electoral reforms.

The 81-year-old feels dejected when he sees the way the Lok Sabha polls are progressing. To set things right, the armyman-turned-social-activist, had undertaken several hunger strikes in the last four decades and had played a stellar role in the enactment of the Right to Information Act and took forward the Lokpal and Lokayukta movement.

“Politicians want to win the elections by hook or crook... Voters are ready for a price... How come cash is being seized daily across India?” Anna tells DH’s Mrityunjay Bose in an interview at Ralegan Siddhi, his village in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra.

Excerpts from the interview:

Are you following the elections this time?

The way things are going, I would not hesitate to say that the country does not have a bright future. The society does not remain the focal point in politics... Satta se paisa, paisa se satta (power for money, money for power)... This seems to be motto. Not only politicians, but people at large also needs to be blamed. How will the democracy get strengthened?

You are blaming the people of the country. Do you feel dejected?

Elections and voting is not about political parties. It is about the people. What India needs is a jagruk matdata (vigilant and alert voters). If a voter is alert, the democracy and democratic institutions gets strengthened. I feel suprised and sad when we see that cash is being seized daily. How is this possible? For Rs 500, you sell the vote? Regularly cash is being seized. The sacrifice of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru will go to waste. Politicians just want to grab power, by hook or crook.

What are the key and immediate reforms needed?

How come corrupt people with criminal records are getting tickets? Many goondas and looters are candidates. Is this democracy? This will rot the system. If undesirable people get into the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabhas, how can we protect the sanctity of the Constitution? I have been communicating with Election Commission on electoral reforms.

What is the first big step that is needed?

Just remove the party symbols from the ballot papers and EVMs. I believe in the people. I do not believe in parties and politicians. I believe in the Constitution. Tell me, where in Constitution is it written that party symbols have to be there in ballot papers or EVMs? I have told this to senior politicians, they have not been able to counter me.

Just the name of the candidates and the photo is enough. In 1951-52, when the first elections were held, printing technology was not advanced and hence the symbol was put and not the photo of the candidates. But now you do not need symbols. Do away with them. This will check the entry of undesirable people in law-making bodies.

Is this a practical solution?

This is most practical. People with a good image and those who work and have a proven track record will get elected.

You have served in the Indian Army. This election, one of the topics being debated is India’s action against Pakistan. While the government is claiming credit over it, the Opposition is questioning it and asking for details of strategic and sensitive nature.

This is the most unfortunate thing. I am very sad.

Will you vote this time?

Surely, I will go to polling station and vote. I will not look at parties but the candidates. If the candidates are not desirable, the NOTA option is there and I am free to use it.