While the jury is out on the political wisdom behind the abrupt and "forcible" end to Baba Ramdev's Ramlila Maidan farce, the Government deserves to be commended for acting courageously for once.
Firstly, the egg on the PM's face with Anna Hazare's well-timed populist maneuver is still fresh in public memory. To bend again would plumet the Prime Minister's Office to irrversible indignity. Hence, after the initial attempts at conciliation firm measures were called for.
A larger threat is to the roots of our democratic foundation. There is a defined process to represent the voice of the people. If anyone with a fan following is permitted to drive a policy or two through ransom, it shall prove debilitating. The odd yoga teacher, film star or even cricketer ought to restrict themselves to their chosen line of work. Alternatively, they ought to formally plunge into the political process. Currently, the Baba Ramdevs of the world are leveraging their cult following whilst escaping the cynicism that is reserved for those who officially don Khadi.
The question that shall be asked (albeit hypothetically) is the government's possible response to a similar call by a minority leader. Frankly, that shall be the true test of the PM's intent. The current act could either be the first signs of a firm fist. Alternatively, it could merely be an attempt to scuttle a possible saffron resurgence. Despite my not-so-complimentary views about the current ministry, it seems largely like the former to me. In any case, it doesnt seem like this show is over yet.
