Nomaashkaar, and all that. So I was really looking forward to not having to end up writing to one of your kind. You know? Politician. Specially after the “Mera Neta Chor Hai” campaign, my skeptical eye became more skeptical (well.. I guess it means it became smaller, or bigger). So after the government came to a consensus with Anna ji, I guess you just had to be the chairman of the Joint Committee for the Jan Lokpal Bill. Please accept my humble congratulatory letter, on your minor victory. This is good for your resume Mr Mukherjee. You could add – “Chairman, Jan Lokpal Joint Committee”, under the Other Activities section. Very very cool.
Caricature by mint
In other news, I also read that you’ve a “co-chairman” on the committee. Really, does a Co-chairman really matter? Its a tiny little “co-” after all. He’s going to probably constantly be prodding you to make space for him on the chair, but that’s alright. You make sure you’re firmly seated on your chair. Remember, Shanti Bhushan’s been picked by Hazare ji. I trust him. He’ll only poke you when necessary, not “superpoke” like any other Neta would. Thank Heavens for that! Phew!
A mix of neta-log and aam-log. (Hum-log?) Who’d have thought it was possible? We-log were always at loggerheads with you-log. (Sorry, I’m mixing you with them-log, I don’t mean to be mean) This, was a victory for Democracy. Don’t you think so too? You must let me know what you think of this. Ooops! I almost forgot that you’ll be busy now. Managing the finances of this moderately populated country wasn’t enough, that they decided to add another feather to your cap. Sonia ji and Singh Saab think its an easy task. To fish out the dirt from under the carpet. There must be a couple of billion cases of corruption, all over this country. You’ll probably have to manage this when you’re free. Over your evening Chai. Make sure you invite the other boys as well. You can discuss the 2G, Adarsh, Bofors (ohhhh, you won’t… that’ll be like giving Haath to the mothership. Sorry.) over steaming pakoras and a cup of cutting-tea. Patti Rok ke, cheeni tok ke.
On a serious note Mr Mukherjee, be wary of those representatives of the Civil Society. They could kick some serious b*tt! I’ve heard they make a few phone calls, and thousands flood to common meeting grounds, in packs and herds. Most of those famous movie stars come too! They bring in a couple of thousands too. Fans, they’re called. They don’t know whats happening, but thats a headcount of a thousandmore. Star Power, is what they call it these days. Not that I’m saying you won’t be able to gather crowds, you’ve learnt so well. People come from near and far to come see you speak at rallies. You don’t need to have fans.. probably show them some wads, give them some “fans” of their own. They’ll come. See. Makes for head count too. I guess its valid.
On an incredibly serious note, Mr Mukherjee, and your neta-log on the panel. I’ve seen some serious change in the way people think. People are tired. They don’t want to wake up early in the morning to visit a Government office, with the mentality of I’d better keep a couple of notes to feed those officials, else it’ll be a waste of a trip made. They don’t want to pay through their teeth to honor their right anymore. Nope. They don’t. They won’t let you sit around sipping your Earl Grey tea dripping out from your tea bags while they stand in queues to buy that packet of tea, which is a much loved luxury. They can’t go without their cup of tea either.
Caricature by Muralidhar
These aam-log creatures know the “Power of the People” now. They’ll walk into big parks, sit down, ask for their rights. One man will stand firm. One from amidst the masses will be powerful enough to challenge your thoughts. Anna Hazare ji did it for us this time. The next time, it’ll be someone else. Its time, Mr Mukherjee. We’re a Democracy now. Finally.
Warm Regards,
Anna’s Aam-log.
