Dear Dr Balu,
I echo the points you have made, especially that which points to the fact that there have been many movements “that have fizzled out”. Whether converting from movement to political organisation or otherwise, there is one common thread – lack of an organisation that devolves initiatives to local groups and an organisational system that keeps the local units aligned to the super-ordinate goals.
My blog one year ago said the same thing you say above: no involvement at all of the rural folks. http://www.koramangalaonline.com/topics/strong-lokpal-bill-any-typical-partys-suicide-pact
In all these discussions, I’m amazed that no one (mostly “activists” involved in the campaign) think such a mass movement can be carried out in the 21st Century without the crucial inputs of a Management expert. It seems that Team Anna thought they had the acumen only to realise “it fizzled out”. Pity that popularity is equated to knowledge.
I’m happy to read that you (being a key activist in Karnataka (& IAC here) have voiced the concern that many of us supporters have of forming yet another political party.
http://www.koramangalaonline.com/topics/vote-independent-1
Tapping & retaining talent and willingness present & available amongst the rural and urban middle class, it appears, is not a strength of civic activists. No great movement can be successful without organisational expertise (and I don’t mean hierarchy).
Regards,
J Srinivasan