The apex association of candlemakers in India, the Mombatti Society, is aghast at efforts to root out corruption in India, despite rising sales in the initial days of the movement spearheaded by Gandhian activist Anna Hazare.

At a hurriedly organized press conference in New Delhi, the Society’s Honorary Assistant Wick Tweaker, Kiran Goyle said, “We are happy that so many people lit candles on the night of April 8 at India Gate and elsewhere in the country. But what we worried about is that if steps are actually taken to root out corruption, there will be no more anti-corruption rallies, no more bulk candle sales and our industry will suffer.” As it is, he said, the United Lantern Lighters Association was trying to muscle into the candlemakers territory.

The Society was clear in its objectives. Officials said that they had bribed everyone possible in getting the press conference organized and in fact, had sent a complaint to senior police officials against a constable who had refused to accept a bribe.

But this isn’t the only matter that is troubling the candlemakers. They are also concerned with the resumption of talks between India and Pakistan. An official said, “If there’s peace between the two nations, there will no longer be old farts…er…activists at the Wagah border. Candlemakers in India and Pakistan are united in their fight against peace.”

Waxing eloquent on the troubles facing the industry, Goyle said, “Our future looks dark. On the one hand, despite the Centre, State and Municipal Governments ensuring that there are hours of power cuts in urban areas and no electricity in rural areas (and we thank them for their efficiency), there is the unfortunate trend of people using generators, inverters and other alternatives. Then there are cheap Chinese candles, a matter of national security.”

Of course, the candlemakers do benefit during Diwali season. But they want greater opportunities for growth. Among their proposals is that floodlights at all cricket grounds use candles instead of electric bulbs. “It will be a true return to India’s Gandhian ideals,” Goyle pointed out. “When it comes to going back in time and using Gandhi for leverage no one can match us, except politicians,” another official said. There are certainly exceptions, for instance when it comes to Valentine’s Day, which the Society supports especially candlelight dinners.

If the situation does not appear to improve for the better in the months ahead, the Society is planning a major rally in the Capital to make their voice heard. “It will be a candlelight procession,” Goyle emphasized.