The tense standoff between Indian government and fasting anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare yesterday showed no sign of a resolution as parliament failed to discuss his proposal for a new anti-graft law called Jan Lokpal Bill.
The Lok Sabha, which was to discuss Jan Lokpal Bill and other civil society drafts on an anti-corruption ombudsman, yesterday saw a political war between the ruling Congress and the main opposition BJP on procedural issues. The matter is expected to come up again today.
Opposition members gave notices for a discussion in parliament on the Lokpal issue under a rule that entails voting while Congress members wanted it under a rule that does not provide for voting.
BJP foiled the ruling side's attempt to have it discussed without voting that made the government to change its strategy to go for a debate in a different form.
Hazare-led civil society activists, who were expecting a parliamentary discussion and vote yesterday, reacted sharply, saying the 74-year-old Gandhian would end his fast only if three of his demands are conceded or at least Jan Lokpal Bill be tabled in parliament.
The three demands outlined by Hazare in a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh are setting up Lokayukta (anti-corruption watchdog) in states, bringing the entire bureaucracy under Lokpal (the anti-corruption ombudsman) ambit and displaying a citizen charter in all government offices.
As the ruling party and the opposition were locked in a confrontation leading to a brief adjournment of Lok Sabha, Speaker Meira Kumar held discussions with leaders of both sides.
BJP maintained that either the prime minister or Leader of the House Pranab Mukherjee should make a statement on which a discussion could take place or pass a resolution as demanded by Hazare.
It was decided at the meeting that Mukherjee will make a statement which will be followed by a discussion under a rule that does not entail voting. However, government sources did not rule out voting on a substantive motion if the situation demands.
Hazare wrote a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in which he said "My inner conscience tells me that if there is a consensus on these proposals (three issues), then I will break my fast."
One of Hazare's main demands is that the government-drafted Lokpal Bill currently before parliament be withdrawn and replaced by the more stringent version drafted by himself and other civil society leaders.
But Mukherjee yesterday ruled out withdrawal of the government bill, contending such a move would undermine parliament's supremacy in drafting and adopting legislation.
Mukherjee, however, did express concern over the health of Hazare whose fast entered 11th day yesterday.
Source : The Daily Star
