Indian democracy, an American political scientist said, is nothing but a functioning anarchy. Going by the agitation for and against the Sardar Sarovar dam project, the social scientist would certainly find many takers. A handful of activists, including cine stars, can force the federal structure of India to grovell before them. The smaller establishment (read Modi) can also hold its big brother (the Centre) to ransom. Constitutional experts have always argued that the Constitution has vested immense powers with the Union of India to override the state governments. But, what happens when a weak Centre is not able to hold on to itself? What happens when MPs cutting across party lines gang up against the Centre? What happens when the 'moderate' prime minister is not able to take any decision? What happens when the government is up against many pressure groups (read regional parties)?
Rehabilitation is certainly a concern and it should be implemented in letter and spirit. But, the government can't suspend the work on the dam after investing a huge amount of taxpayers' money. The activists are right when they protest for the rehabilitation of the displaced but they should restrict themselves to that only. Aamir should rather keep his rebellious ideas for his movies.