Gandhian ideals may have been abandoned on the way, but his method of fasting as a way of protest is suddenly the most favoured one to articulate protests — whether it is for politicians or activists. Last week, the Opposition leaders in Kerala such as former Chief Minister V S Achuthananthan sat on a fast at the Mullaperiyar Dam site, asking for a new dam and pleading for the safety of the people in downstream areas. They want the 116-year-old dam be decommissioned and replaced by a new dam, citing risks posed by the frequent seismic tremors in the area and the age of the dam.
Medha Patkar-led National Alliance of People’s Movements has given a call for a nationwide fast in support of Irom Sharmila, the leader from Manipur who has been fasting for years, demanding removal of the the Armed Forces Special Powers Act that gives the military massive powers in the region. She has been living on intravenous drip for the past many years, even as the Central and state governments have not been making up their mind on the issue.
And, today, November 11, has been chosen by Anna Hazare for his day-long hartal and fast. In fact, he has invited political parties to join him in a bid to create a consensus on the Lok Pal Bill.
