Team Anna flayed for 'my way or highway' approach

WASHINGTON: Terming Team Anna's approach as "my way or highway" on the Jan Lokpal bill, New York-based Asia Society president has said in democracy one should be ready to compromise for the greater good of the society.

"In some tactics Team Anna has taken many lessons from the Gandhian methods of non-violent protests. It is important to recognise not only huge differences between the two men, but also to question the process by which the government was forced to acquiesce to his demands in an independent, democratic India," said Vishaka Desai.

In democracy, one should also be worried about inclusiveness, processes of democratic institutions, and an ability to compromise for the greater good of the society. It can't simply be a my way or the highway kind of obstinacy or stubbornness, she said.

If India is serious about addressing corruption that permeates all parts of the government system, it will need not only a Lokpal but a 'Lok Kendka', a public system that works at all levels, she added.

"That is hard work and will require more than slogans and a few public spectacles," Desai said.

The Indian Parliament last week endorsed in principle three of Anna Hazare's key demands to deal with corruption in a compromise between government and the Gandhian.