Because he is probably Gandhi's reincarnation. Because six decades after Gandhi's death, he has made India rise as one again with his non-violent protests. Because he is giving the Indian government some tough choices where corruption is concerned. Because he fasts like Gandhi as a means of protest. Because he is trying to implement Gandhi's ideals in modern India - be it be uprooting alcoholism, creating model villages and grain banks and removing caste barriers in the villages of India. Because he may never take the place of Bapu (father), but is definitely the Anna (big brother) of India.