Democracy’s Saintly Challenger
India is no stranger to mass mobilization for a popular cause. But the recent fast by the Gandhian leader Anna Hazare, culminating in an extraordinary parliamentary session that acceded to his main demands, marked a dramatic political departure – and raises important questions about civil society’s role in a democracy.
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NEW DELHI – India is no stranger to protest movements, hunger strikes, and the mass mobilization of citizens for a popular cause. But the recent fast by the Gandhian leader Anna Hazare, culminating in an extraordinary Saturday session of Parliament to pass a resolution acceding to his main demands, marked a dramatic departure in the country’s politics.