After the FDI logjam, the focus has again shifted to the debate on the Lokpal issue. In one of my earlier posts, I said that it is still early to reach conclusions. Many years later, year 2011 would be seen in retrospect as a crucial year for Indian democracy. There will always be a debate on the ways and mode of debate, which will do the balancing act and ensure that the focus is on the resolution of the issues at hand. Yet one of the greatest achievements of Anna Hazare’s movement on the Lokpal issue has been that it has made the entire country debate and express opinion. The media has played its part. The Parliament respected the sentiments by adopting a ‘sense of the house resolution’. The Joint Parliamentary Committee has tabled the report. Disagreements still exist and debate continues. What’s happening today at Jantar Mantar has become highly significant with the participation of members of several political parties. The participation of political parties, for whatever reasons, signifies maturity of Indian democracy. However, the suggestion that all policy decisions of the government must be based on public debate would only result in indecision and paralyze governance. Again, the suggestion that only a particular version of the bill is appropriate will also result in stalemate, and not result in resolution. Again, opposing one political party will only derail the fight against corruption. India has an opportunity to show the way for discourse and discussion, and resolution of crucial issues, strengthening democracy on one hand, while treading a cautious path and ensuring Parliament’s supremacy on the other.