No justification for attack on Bhushan

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"I disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it" - Voltaire

The very foundation of a democracy is based on the statement above. The 'live' assault on Prashant Bhushan yesterday, just moments before reporters from a television channel were about to interview him (and just moments after the camera started rolling, now that's some coincidence) was more an attack on 'freedom of speech' than on Bhushan himself. The reporters in question were from a channel, which in my humble opinion was completely swayed towards Anna Hazare's recent campaign against the government.

Indeed, the dramatic manner and deep husky voice in which the prominent anchor, a journalist whose integrity and knowledge I have had the deepest regard for over the years, spoke on television during the entire protest reminded me repeatedly as a viewer of Shah Rukh Khan's dialogue deliveries in the emotionally charged climaxes of his films.

Anyways coming back to the incident yesterday, it appears from various media reports that the attack was in response to Bhushan's recent remarks stating that he favours a referendum in Kashmir. The statement, even though controversial, was definitely neither illegal nor treasonous and clearly didn't deserve violent reaction it invited on Bhushan.

Team Anna, in my opinion, has lost its direction and focus since their highly successful recent campaign for a stronger Jan Lokpal Bill. Instead of fighting corruption, they now seem to be fighting the Congress. Paradoxically these days, Anna Hazare has started reminding one of PM Manmohan Singh - both men of dignity and integrity but surrounded by the wrong set of advisors.

The recent statements and actions of Team Anna are eating into the goodwill and 'never seen before' unity created in the country by Anna Hazare's protest fast against corruption.

Arvind Kejriwal's 'vote against Congress' movement in Hisar elections can actually lead to an even more corrupt candidate from some other party getting elected as many of the contestants have a colourful track record consisting of civil and criminal offences, not to mention disproportionate assets. Nothing can be more ironical than a campaign by a member of Team Anna's anti-graft crusade leading to a corrupt person coming to power in Hisar.

Kiran Bedi has also joined Kejriwal in his 'Defeat the Congress' effort. Clearly, Team Anna has got divided as recently Santosh Hegde, a key member of Anna's campaign, had gone on record saying he disapproved of Team Anna's anti-Congress stance in the Hisar by-polls. I wonder what Anna Hazare must be thinking right now.

Similarly, Prashant Bhushan's statement on Kashmir might be his personal opinion but an individual in a sensitive position like him should have exercised more restraint in airing his views.

Such bytes make prime time news headlines but distracts from the reason Team Anna came together for - eradicating corruption. It would be in Team Anna's and, more importantly, the country's best interest if Bhushans, Kejriwal, Bedi & Company concentrate on issues related to graft (stronger Jan Lokpal Bill, getting black money back from foreign accounts etc) instead of fighting with the Congress or making controversial remarks on other issues being faced by India.

In conclusion, I personally disagree with Bhushan's statement and it does stir a sense of anger in me. I would like to have a debate with him on his stand. However, raising my hand on him would not even be an option for me and for millions of others in the nation. There are enough countries in the world that use force to quash freedom of speech and thankfully India is not one of them. I am proud of this fact and want to keep it this way.