In pursuit of complete democracy

As I watch the events unfold in India, I cannot but help wonder about the spread of democracy. I harbor no sympathies for Baba Ramdev. Most of his ideas are impractical and in my opinion not the right way of doing things. I think his statement (though after the incident) about armed rising is incorrect and in fact any action in that direction is illegal. (For the record, I support the Jan Lokpal bill and a few reservations aside I support Anna Hazare's movement)

However, a citizen has a right to protest in a democracy and that is exactly what Baba Ramdev did peacefully in Ramlila grounds in New Delhi. Yes, there was a huge organizational power behind his protest. More people turned up than expected. The UPA government felt insecure in the middle of a Saturday night and sent in police to evacuate the place. The police used teargas and lathi to discharge the crowds. Close to 50 people were hurt amongst them women. One woman, 51 year old Raj Bala is in a critical state and might be paralyzed below her hip. Section 144 (which in my opinion is draconian) was imposed in the area.

This brings us to the central question : What happened to democracy in India ? Where is the freedom of expression ? Can the government intrude into a peaceful protest ? Is India heading for Emergency again ? A citizen has a fundamental right and as Nitish Kumar said "It is a major blow to democracy and an attack on the democractic rights of the people ... It is also an attack on the fundamental rights of the citizens.” The government made a further fool of itself saying the eviction was done for security reason.

I will go further into it in my next post.