Social activist Anna Hazare at the Tihar Jail in New Delhi on Wednesday 17.08.2011
Social activist Anna Hazare at the Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi on Friday. Mr. Hazare made a surprise announcement that he would not leave the fast venue till the bill is passed
Anna Hazare waves to supporters after he was detained by the police ahead of his proposed fast in New Delhi on 16.08.2011
The Prime Minister's statement over Anna Hazare’s arrest in the Parliament drew angry protests in both the Houses of Parliament... Susma Swaraj and Arun Jaitly
Anna Hazare.. Showing finger towards corruption
Civil society members Arvind Kejriwal, Prashant Bhushan and Kiran Bedi (L-R) coming out after meeting with Pranab Mukherjee at North Block
Celebration..Supporters of social activist Anna Hazare gather in thousands to celebrate near the India Gate memorial in New Delhi
Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravishankar speaking to the media, after meeting Baba Ramdev at Himalayan Hospital, in Dehradun
A supporter of social activist Anna Hazare lying on nails in Bhopal
Anna Hazare sitting at the Rajghat on 16.08.2011Monday, on the eve of his fast
Gandhi attaired supporter of Anna Hazare at Ramlila
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee as negotiator for talks with Team Anna Hazare over Lokpal issue
Procession by supporters of Anna hazare passing Ranjit Singh Flyover on India Gate-Ramlila maidan Rally on Sunday 21.08.2011
Supporters of social activist Anna Hazare take part in a candle light vigil in support of Jan Lokpal Bill in Chennai.
Women prepare a huge Rakhi with an image of Anna Hazare ahead of the Rakhabandhan festival in Ahmedabad
Anna team members Prashant Bhushan, Arvind Kejriwal and Kiran Bedi addressing supporters at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi
Anna Hazare and Kiran Bedi
Activists of India Against Corruption team with young Anna Hazare supporters for a candle light march against corruption in Bikaner
BJP members Yashwant Sinha and Shatrughan Sinha at Parliament House
Anna Hazare and Arvind Kejriwal after a meeting on Lokpal Bill at North Block in New Delhi
A young supporter waives National flags at Ramlila Maidan, where Anna Hazare fasting in support of Jan Lokpal Bill for the tenth day
A team of doctors checks Anna Hazare's health during his public hunger strike and mass protest in New Delhi for the Jan Lokpal Bill
Anna Hazare paraying at Raj-Ghat
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A supporter of social activist Anna Hazare lying on nails in Bhopal
Anna Hazare sitting at the Rajghat on 16.08.2011Monday, on the eve of his fast
Gandhi attaired supporter of Anna Hazare at Ramlila
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee as negotiator for talks with Team Anna Hazare over Lokpal issue
Procession by supporters of Anna hazare passing Ranjit Singh Flyover on India Gate-Ramlila maidan Rally on Sunday 21.08.2011
Supporters of social activist Anna Hazare take part in a candle light vigil in support of Jan Lokpal Bill in Chennai.
Women prepare a huge Rakhi with an image of Anna Hazare ahead of the Rakhabandhan festival in Ahmedabad
Anna team members Prashant Bhushan, Arvind Kejriwal and Kiran Bedi addressing supporters at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi
Anna Hazare and Kiran Bedi
Activists of India Against Corruption team with young Anna Hazare supporters for a candle light march against corruption in Bikaner
BJP members Yashwant Sinha and Shatrughan Sinha at Parliament House
Anna Hazare supporters try to stop the police vehicle carrying the social activist after he was detained by the Delhi Police in New Delhi on 16.08.2011
Anna Hazare and Arvind Kejriwal after a meeting on Lokpal Bill at North Block in New Delhi
A young supporter waives National flags at Ramlila Maidan, where Anna Hazare fasting in support of Jan Lokpal Bill for the tenth day
A team of doctors checks Anna Hazare's health during his public hunger strike and mass protest in New Delhi for the Jan Lokpal Bill
Anna Hazare paraying at Raj-Ghat
Anna Hazare’s Anti-Corruption had won but still endangered?
(Madan Menon Thottasseri)
____________________________________________________
Anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare had broken on 28th August, 2011 (Sunday) his 12-day fast on the Lokpal issue, declaring that he had only suspended his movement and not ended it. At the fasting venue of Ramlila Maidan, the 74-year-old activist formally concluded his fast by sipping of tender coconut water and honey, which were offered to him by two little girls – Simran and Ikrah. Anna had declared that electoral reforms would be next on his agenda, followed by issues of decentralization of power, education reforms, labour and farmers' issues. He had reiterated that “non-violence and secularism was the strength of the anti- corruption movement.''
The identically worded resolutions that were read out by Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee at the end of the debate in Parliament could confirm that the House discussed various issues relating to the setting up of a strong and effective Lokpal.
This House had agreed in principle on all the three issues listed below::
(Madan Menon Thottasseri)
____________________________________________________
Anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare had broken on 28th August, 2011 (Sunday) his 12-day fast on the Lokpal issue, declaring that he had only suspended his movement and not ended it. At the fasting venue of Ramlila Maidan, the 74-year-old activist formally concluded his fast by sipping of tender coconut water and honey, which were offered to him by two little girls – Simran and Ikrah. Anna had declared that electoral reforms would be next on his agenda, followed by issues of decentralization of power, education reforms, labour and farmers' issues. He had reiterated that “non-violence and secularism was the strength of the anti- corruption movement.''
The identically worded resolutions that were read out by Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee at the end of the debate in Parliament could confirm that the House discussed various issues relating to the setting up of a strong and effective Lokpal.
This House had agreed in principle on all the three issues listed below::
(a) Citizens Charter,
(b) Lower bureaucracy also to be under Lokpal through appropriate mechanism,
(c) Establishment of a Lokayukta in the States;
It was further resolved to transmit the proceedings to the Department-related Standing Committee for its perusal so as to formulate its recommendations for a Lokpal Bill.”
Union Minister for Corporate Affairs M. Veerappa Moily had given press statement on the same day that the revised Lokpal Bill would be passed during the winter session of Parliament. The three cataloged clauses proposed by Anna Hazare are to be properly noted by the Standing Committee after pursuing the draft. It is to be noted that Team Anna had expressed its desire that the government convenes a special session of Parliament to pass the Lokpal Bill in a month’s time.
Actually the situation was not as favorable as for a consensus. Unfortunately BJP too had played a double game when even at the eleventh hour it declared that certain clauses of Jan Lokpal were taboo that disappointed Anna Hazare and his team. There was every reason to suspect the uprightness of the Party while it found fault with Team Anna for engaging in demonstrations in front of houses of its Parliamentarians. BJP had no clear-cut stand on the issue other than envisioning the government locking horns with Civil Society and avail a political mileage. Its leaders behaved as if they were imprisoned and had no propriety to take any stand on the issue except for launching anti-government campaigns whenever the civil society encountered insensitive comments from the congress spokespersons. This portrayed how democracy gets diminish due to an irresponsible Opposition.
CPM was also proved to be not an exception. It also showed a grim look to the version of anti-graft clauses put forth by civil society. There was no clear-cut stand on the issue by the Opposition front expecting the government locking horns with Civil Society wherein it will be in an advantageous position due to the political mileage. Opposition behaved as if it was imprisoned and had no propriety to take any stand on the issue except for launching anti-government campaigns whenever the civil society encountered insensitive comments from the congress spokespersons. This showed the plight of democracy due to an irresponsible Opposition as well.
Despite these adverse situations, of course it was a real miracle that happened in Parliament.
There were sparks at the weekly meeting of the of the BJP Parliamentary Party wherein few MPs pointed fingers against the “wishy-washy” stand initially taken on Team Anna's demands for the Jan Lokpal Bill. Yashwant Sinha, former Union Finance Minister and MP from Hazaribagh in Jharkhand, had openly accused the party of not taking forwardthe issue of corruption in an aggressive way giving opportunity to Anna Team to take the mantle and the merit!
Yashwant Sinha should not be unaware why the BJP leadership shied away from aggressive anti-corruption campaign while there were very corrupt politicians in the party. It was evident that BJP was hypocritical in doing just lip-service in favour of an ant-graft bill without contributing anything to instigate the ruling party to carry forward and do justice to people. Can Yashwant Sinha with the support of leaders like Shatrughnan Sinha muster rolls in BJP to form a core team to unreservedly fall in line with Anna Team so as to strengthen the bargaining power in negotiating with the government? Why did he opted to be so obedient to the Party and compromised for getting eventually lagged behind Team Anna? Pathetically disgrace!
It was really appreciable that both Ruling and Opposition fronts in both houses of Parliament could finally get the feel of common populace against corruption and participated in deliberations for arriving at a consensus. The anti-graft campaign by Anna could captivate the youth of our nation to imagine a new face for democracy wherein a common man is empowered to wrestle down any threats of corruption in the daily practical life. It was evidently proved that the political plurality never stands in the way of a shared unity to defeat corruption in this country. It was heartening to see our leaders giving discourses deviating from their usual manner of reproachful comments on counterparts sitting opposite to them.
Deliberations in both houses of Parliament solely to endorse the key cataloged ideas of the gandhian Anna Hazare so as to include in the draft Lokpal Bill have been really manifested for the sanitization of our political democracy. The way our Ministers and M.Ps participated without rubbing on the wrong side of political opponents should become a precedent to win through all divergent perceptions on various tribulations being encountered by our country. We have to keep the momentum for the nation and people to be the real beneficiaries of Lokpal and other legislations to be passed at time to time in future.
Congress, BJP, CPM and all other parties have arrived at a consensus for channelizing the cataloged three issues through the Standing Committee at the earliest. Standing Committee will have no rationale to negate the inherent points of the anticipated Lokpal Bill. It was incredible that our leaders could understand that conceding with the genuine perceptions of Anna Hazare will never be construed as a downfall of prestige to Parliament. Of course there were certain misguiding apprehensions by antagonists of democratic foundations, but our leaders could dispel the same. Despite a belated realization, our Parliamentarians elevated its prestige for understanding the pulse of people’s aspirations. I salute not only Anna Hazare and his whole Team but also our P.M, Pranab Mukerjee,Sushma Swaraj, Arun jaitly…. all members of Lok sabha and Rajya sabha.
Justice Santhosh Hegde was not comfortable with the tuff stand of Team Anna two days back and he had even expressed his apprehension openly. He is still against the demand for inclusion of P.M and Supreme Court Judges under the purview of the prospective Lokpal Bill. Of course he had correctly envisaged for electoral and police reforms, control of black-money and the down to earth implementation of reports on a host of committees that had revealed the fraudulent practices in different sectors wherein legislators and officials of all levels were directly involved. Of course he was hinting on his report against illegal mining just submitted to the Karnataka government.
I would like to give details of certain interesting developments during the past one week after the deliberation in Parliament consenting for inclusion of exclusive clauses as desired by the Civil Society headed by Anna Hazare.
Writer Arundhati Roy cast doubts over Anna Hazare’s anti-graft campaign saying the civil society’s Jan Lokpal Bill is a “dangerous piece of legislation”; Government is back on its old tricks:
I cannot understand what Arundhati wanted to convey to the nation. Did she mean that Anna hazare is being thrown to the arena by people like Kiran Bedi, (Arvind) Kejriwal and (Manish) Sisodia and there are inexplicable motives to steer the Parliament to pass a legislation that cannot be implemented? She cautions that the legislation as a dangerous piece of legislation that is regressive with flimsy accusations on median campaigns showing orchestrated reality shows. Unfortunately she is proved to be an obsolete eccentric. Print media should not have given any news value to her claptrap comments.
We cannot forget how Arundhathi Rao created a big stir in October, 2010 by tying up with Syed Ali Shah Geelani and declared to the extreme of freeing Kashmir from bhookhe-nange (hungry and naked)! She must not be unaware that her unwarranted comments had prompted many fanatic buffoons of ethnic societies to put forth similar statements and even demanded for liberty from our republic. It was never a split of the tongue. Within a couple of days she had given fundamentally wrong accusations. It was deplorable then as the celebrity writer deliberately endeavored to display arrogance to markdown the democratic foundation of our nation. She had acted with contemptible approach and obvious tone while giving very assenting indictment stating that Kashmir was seized by taking the legacy of colonizing from British rule!
I would say that in her usual haughty style this time too Arundhati had obviously made open sedition against our Parliament which accepted the demands of the civil society headed by Anna hazare for the inclusion of cataloged clauses in the prospective Lokpal Bill to be passed. Precisely Arundhati had motivated innocent and ignorant people to visualize the regime and the Lokpal Bill in a wrong way. It was disgrace to the Home Ministry to ignore the irresponsible assertion by this conceited writer. Let me repeat my comment in last year…“Probably the Press and Television media can do a better role by boycotting her ‘celebrity ostentation’ throughout the nation with immediate effect”.
IT Notice to Arvind Kejriwal, Privilege motion against Kiran Bedi and Prashant Bhushan, Delhi Police’s claim that CD showing the alleged deal between Amar Singh and Bushans are genuine:
Income Tax Department has slapped a notice on Team Anna member Arvind Kejriwal for violating the terms of his IRS service bond and claimed Rs 9 lakh in arrears. AS per the charge, Kejriwal who had resigned from ‘Indian Revenue Service’ in 2006 had not complied with the bond conditions for which he is under an obligation to pay Rs.9 lakhs now.
Team Anna has slammed the notice, calling it a politically motivated move and nothing but a smear campaign against all prominent personalities in the forefront of the anti-corruption movement.
Kejriwal had commented that no correspondence were there during the past four years. The Income Tax Department had given a notice on August 05, 2011 prior to Anna's commencement of fast beginning on August 16, 2011. He said “it seems I-T Department's political bosses ordered them to send me this notice. Government officers have been trying to dig up dirt on me for the past 10 years” He had taken the study leave from November 1, 2000 to October 31, 2002 and had reported for duty on November 01, 2002. The resignation was only in February 2006. During the period between 2004 and 2006 he was on Unpaid-Leave while as per his bond he did not resign in three years that followed his study leave. It is evident that I T depart is deliberately smudging him after a period of seven years.
Shanti Bhushan, the legal mind of Team Anna, is confronted by the Delhi Police, by claiming that the CDs allegedly showing a deal between the Bhushans and Amar Singh over a land deal was genuine. Kiran Bedi is facing a privilege motion against her in Parliament. It is very noteworthy that all this has happened immediately after the latest resolution in the parliament.
Kiran Bedi had opted to appear in front of a privileges committee, Prashant Bhshan is keen on moving to Supreme Court. Its look like that this battle is far from over.
It is to be noted that the privilege notice against Kiran Bedi is for her accusation of parliamentarians wearing "several masks" at the same time. Om many occasions both Ruling and Opposition benches in Parliament had accused many of their counterparts including P.M or Opposition stalwarts wearing a mask. Probably majority of our politicians wear masks otherwise they would not have got even the poll ticket to contest in an election or got elected through backdoor through nominations to Rajya Sabha! There is no meaning in clamping a privilege motion on Prashant Bhushan and Kiran Bedi. Beware that Kiran is all set to show a ‘bigger mirror’ while appearing for the hearing. It is desirable not to catch a tiger (tigress) on its tail!
The recent deliberations in both houses of Parliament solely to endorse the key cataloged ideas of the gandhian Anna Hazare so as to include in the draft Lokpal Bill have been really manifested for the sanitization of our political democracy. The way our Ministers and M.Ps participated without rubbing on the wrong side of political opponents should prevail on all divergent perceptions on various problems being encountered by our country. In fact the government could enhance its image to some extent when it gracefully conceded to Anna Hazare’s demands. There were misguiding apprehensions by antagonists of democratic foundations cautioning that conceding to the civil society will become even the downfall of the prestige of Parliament. These threats were rightly dispelled by spectrum of leaders mainly in the ruling Congress. Despite a belated realization, our Parliamentarians elevated its prestige for understanding the pulse of people’s aspirations.
At this time if the government goes for retribution on those who were in the forefront of the civil society will lead to downfall of the recouped image of P.M and his government. The congress high command should not spare any initiative for instructing various ministries not to resort to any political vendetta programmed against the civil society leaders.
The government had lost all credibility when the entire nation fell in the grip of shock and indignation over the fraudulent practices followed by the telecom ministry with the support of PMO and other ministries leading to the colossal loss to the exchequer. Scams after scams revealed to public how the government with its entity had acted in a irresponsible way as if it was absolved from the authority and responsibility in respect of issues connected with various ministries, especially those under the control of coalition partners. It was a shame that the government forgot that coalition was not for simply forming a regime but for arriving at a consensus on issues with clear understanding for the purpose of establishing a righteous regime. All lapses gave more chances to the people even to over-imagine scams that had to some extent underestimated the integrity of the Prime Minister. Further dishonor to congress is that it was still carryon the league with the regional parties just to stay in power and bury its inequities.
Anna could address the media upon his return to his hometown after discharging himself from the hospital. He said: “Why dig out this issue now after four years? I know Kejriwal and he is a selfless person.” Citing the incident of the Income Tax Department slapping a notice on Mr. Kejriwal, demanding for Rs. 9 lakh, he added that Kejriwal is working for the country; and he could have amassed a lot of wealth, but he did not. He cautioned- “If the government continues to do this, then civil society will have to look for another way to deal with this,” he said, wherein there a hint for a fresh agitation!
Anna Hazare believes that the victory in parliament in favour of his ‘Jan Lokpal Bill’ goes to people who supported and participated in the anti-corruption movement. At Ralegan Siddhi, his home town while addressing a huge crowd in the Shantiniketan Grounds Anna Hazare had waved the tri-colour at the people who were waiting to see him for the past three weeks. He told that the country is still being looted through corruption. Till this loot ends, there will be no real independence. The torch of struggle has been lit. People in every corner of the country are standing up.
He explained to the crowd on his 12-day ordeal that he and his team together with the gathered sympathizers of all ages had to undergo. According to him the Union Home Minister P.Chidambaram is a mischievous man as he had lied to his Team uring their anti-corruption struggle. He also narrated how the DIG (Prisons) of the Tihar Jail did not have any control over the situation, indicating that he was getting orders from the Home Ministry.
Anna hazare is of the view that the fight to end corruption would take at least 15 years more. “This is just the beginning; we still have a long way to go.” Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's dream of a disparity-free nation was still incomplete. “There are social and economic differences among the people. The honour of getting justice is the most important.” He said that farmers and labourers getting their due is important. His dream is get a “Jan sansad”, parliament of the common populace which is important, and anything is possible through it.
Tharoor fires salvo at Hazare:
Union Minister Shashi Tharoor had bombarded Anna and his team commenting that how can a person "who never stood for elections" can claim to be the voice of the people! He had asserted that laws can be made only by Parliament. He commented that the nation cannot have a small group of unelected people imposing their will on Parliament because in the long term the danger will be to you the people! Despite highly educated but the dim-witted M.P further reiterated "I do not believe that we can conduct democracy either from Ramlila Ground or from television studio. Democracy must be conducted through both Houses of Parliament."
I don’t know what made Sashi to talk stolidly and stupidly on Anna Hazare’s campaign for a prospective anti-graft bill? Quite surprising to note that he got worried on Anna Hazare’s campaign to get incorporated certain cataloged clauses in the prospective anti-graft bill. He had made sarcastic comments mocking the campaign of civil society as conducting democracy from Ralila ground or through TV News Channels. Having served U.N , he should not be unaware of the peoples’ movements that had prevailed on U.N for correct assessment of abuse of power by various regimes, violation of human rights, war crimes, ethnicity etc. It is unfortunate that Shashi Tharoor still perceives democracy only as a dominion entrusted with elected representatives within the four walls of their establishments so as to thrust rules on people without understanding their response. Shashi is just a first time M.P. was he not part of democracy prior to his entry into Parliament? Shashi Taroor must know that he has to inculcate himself with certain element of seriousness before giving comments on sensitive issues.
Z category security for Anna Hazare...Impediment for Anna’s access with frontline campaigners:
The latest new is on providing Z category security to Anna Hazare. AS per reports the Ahmednagar Superintendent of Police Krishna Prakash, who was responsible for the security arrangements at his native place Ralegan Siddhi had called on the crusader to discuss the security issues.It seems that Hazare had accepted the security reluctantly with the condition that the securitypersonnel under his escort should not wear upolice uniforms but only normal clothes.
I can perceive the high security purportedly to protect Anna Hazare from any adversaries of anti-corruption movement, only as a big conspiracy. Anna may find the daunting and flamboyant protocols becoming an impediment to his access with even frontline campaigners of anti-corruption movement. There will be some black-sheep amongst the security men in civil attires for whom it will be convenient to eavesdrop on any deliberations taking place at Anna’s camp. I wish that Anna consult his core teams on the envisioned security profile and look into all pro and cons
Passing the Anti-Graft bill should not be viewed as an end. People at all walks of life should be motivated to erase their old mindset ‘of getting things done to meet selfish ends at any cost’ and we should have a concerted mission to discourage tendencies that prompt corruption cropping up in various forms in disguise. Whatever be the outcome, the movement initiated by Anna Hazare will create a fresh social awakening amongst our young generation.
It is encouraging to note that Indian Expatriates in overseas are not for wearing an iron clad and get isolated from the anti-corruption movement happening in their native land. They will certainly contribute more resources to motherland and enable the transfer of CTS- Capital, Technology and Synergy to empower all facets of economic development.
Before concluding let me quote a comment by Chanrappan, a CPI leader in Kerala. I really like the way Mr. Chandrappan commented on Anna Hazare’s views as 'apolitically political’. Congress failed to recognize this point and tried to obliterate viewpoints of scholarly people who are unbiased and not politically motivated.
May be I am giving a regional- KERALA flavor to the subject. Chandrappan's perception was clear while he recalled the fate of Ex.CVC – P.J Thomas and demanding Oommen Chandy too to resign on moral grounds. Citing the palmolein import case he had rightly opinioned -“Chandy should not wait until he was ousted”. I salute you Sir.
(b) Lower bureaucracy also to be under Lokpal through appropriate mechanism,
(c) Establishment of a Lokayukta in the States;
It was further resolved to transmit the proceedings to the Department-related Standing Committee for its perusal so as to formulate its recommendations for a Lokpal Bill.”
Union Minister for Corporate Affairs M. Veerappa Moily had given press statement on the same day that the revised Lokpal Bill would be passed during the winter session of Parliament. The three cataloged clauses proposed by Anna Hazare are to be properly noted by the Standing Committee after pursuing the draft. It is to be noted that Team Anna had expressed its desire that the government convenes a special session of Parliament to pass the Lokpal Bill in a month’s time.
Actually the situation was not as favorable as for a consensus. Unfortunately BJP too had played a double game when even at the eleventh hour it declared that certain clauses of Jan Lokpal were taboo that disappointed Anna Hazare and his team. There was every reason to suspect the uprightness of the Party while it found fault with Team Anna for engaging in demonstrations in front of houses of its Parliamentarians. BJP had no clear-cut stand on the issue other than envisioning the government locking horns with Civil Society and avail a political mileage. Its leaders behaved as if they were imprisoned and had no propriety to take any stand on the issue except for launching anti-government campaigns whenever the civil society encountered insensitive comments from the congress spokespersons. This portrayed how democracy gets diminish due to an irresponsible Opposition.
CPM was also proved to be not an exception. It also showed a grim look to the version of anti-graft clauses put forth by civil society. There was no clear-cut stand on the issue by the Opposition front expecting the government locking horns with Civil Society wherein it will be in an advantageous position due to the political mileage. Opposition behaved as if it was imprisoned and had no propriety to take any stand on the issue except for launching anti-government campaigns whenever the civil society encountered insensitive comments from the congress spokespersons. This showed the plight of democracy due to an irresponsible Opposition as well.
Despite these adverse situations, of course it was a real miracle that happened in Parliament.
There were sparks at the weekly meeting of the of the BJP Parliamentary Party wherein few MPs pointed fingers against the “wishy-washy” stand initially taken on Team Anna's demands for the Jan Lokpal Bill. Yashwant Sinha, former Union Finance Minister and MP from Hazaribagh in Jharkhand, had openly accused the party of not taking forwardthe issue of corruption in an aggressive way giving opportunity to Anna Team to take the mantle and the merit!
Yashwant Sinha should not be unaware why the BJP leadership shied away from aggressive anti-corruption campaign while there were very corrupt politicians in the party. It was evident that BJP was hypocritical in doing just lip-service in favour of an ant-graft bill without contributing anything to instigate the ruling party to carry forward and do justice to people. Can Yashwant Sinha with the support of leaders like Shatrughnan Sinha muster rolls in BJP to form a core team to unreservedly fall in line with Anna Team so as to strengthen the bargaining power in negotiating with the government? Why did he opted to be so obedient to the Party and compromised for getting eventually lagged behind Team Anna? Pathetically disgrace!
It was really appreciable that both Ruling and Opposition fronts in both houses of Parliament could finally get the feel of common populace against corruption and participated in deliberations for arriving at a consensus. The anti-graft campaign by Anna could captivate the youth of our nation to imagine a new face for democracy wherein a common man is empowered to wrestle down any threats of corruption in the daily practical life. It was evidently proved that the political plurality never stands in the way of a shared unity to defeat corruption in this country. It was heartening to see our leaders giving discourses deviating from their usual manner of reproachful comments on counterparts sitting opposite to them.
Deliberations in both houses of Parliament solely to endorse the key cataloged ideas of the gandhian Anna Hazare so as to include in the draft Lokpal Bill have been really manifested for the sanitization of our political democracy. The way our Ministers and M.Ps participated without rubbing on the wrong side of political opponents should become a precedent to win through all divergent perceptions on various tribulations being encountered by our country. We have to keep the momentum for the nation and people to be the real beneficiaries of Lokpal and other legislations to be passed at time to time in future.
Congress, BJP, CPM and all other parties have arrived at a consensus for channelizing the cataloged three issues through the Standing Committee at the earliest. Standing Committee will have no rationale to negate the inherent points of the anticipated Lokpal Bill. It was incredible that our leaders could understand that conceding with the genuine perceptions of Anna Hazare will never be construed as a downfall of prestige to Parliament. Of course there were certain misguiding apprehensions by antagonists of democratic foundations, but our leaders could dispel the same. Despite a belated realization, our Parliamentarians elevated its prestige for understanding the pulse of people’s aspirations. I salute not only Anna Hazare and his whole Team but also our P.M, Pranab Mukerjee,Sushma Swaraj, Arun jaitly…. all members of Lok sabha and Rajya sabha.
Justice Santhosh Hegde was not comfortable with the tuff stand of Team Anna two days back and he had even expressed his apprehension openly. He is still against the demand for inclusion of P.M and Supreme Court Judges under the purview of the prospective Lokpal Bill. Of course he had correctly envisaged for electoral and police reforms, control of black-money and the down to earth implementation of reports on a host of committees that had revealed the fraudulent practices in different sectors wherein legislators and officials of all levels were directly involved. Of course he was hinting on his report against illegal mining just submitted to the Karnataka government.
I would like to give details of certain interesting developments during the past one week after the deliberation in Parliament consenting for inclusion of exclusive clauses as desired by the Civil Society headed by Anna Hazare.
Writer Arundhati Roy cast doubts over Anna Hazare’s anti-graft campaign saying the civil society’s Jan Lokpal Bill is a “dangerous piece of legislation”; Government is back on its old tricks:
I cannot understand what Arundhati wanted to convey to the nation. Did she mean that Anna hazare is being thrown to the arena by people like Kiran Bedi, (Arvind) Kejriwal and (Manish) Sisodia and there are inexplicable motives to steer the Parliament to pass a legislation that cannot be implemented? She cautions that the legislation as a dangerous piece of legislation that is regressive with flimsy accusations on median campaigns showing orchestrated reality shows. Unfortunately she is proved to be an obsolete eccentric. Print media should not have given any news value to her claptrap comments.
We cannot forget how Arundhathi Rao created a big stir in October, 2010 by tying up with Syed Ali Shah Geelani and declared to the extreme of freeing Kashmir from bhookhe-nange (hungry and naked)! She must not be unaware that her unwarranted comments had prompted many fanatic buffoons of ethnic societies to put forth similar statements and even demanded for liberty from our republic. It was never a split of the tongue. Within a couple of days she had given fundamentally wrong accusations. It was deplorable then as the celebrity writer deliberately endeavored to display arrogance to markdown the democratic foundation of our nation. She had acted with contemptible approach and obvious tone while giving very assenting indictment stating that Kashmir was seized by taking the legacy of colonizing from British rule!
I would say that in her usual haughty style this time too Arundhati had obviously made open sedition against our Parliament which accepted the demands of the civil society headed by Anna hazare for the inclusion of cataloged clauses in the prospective Lokpal Bill to be passed. Precisely Arundhati had motivated innocent and ignorant people to visualize the regime and the Lokpal Bill in a wrong way. It was disgrace to the Home Ministry to ignore the irresponsible assertion by this conceited writer. Let me repeat my comment in last year…“Probably the Press and Television media can do a better role by boycotting her ‘celebrity ostentation’ throughout the nation with immediate effect”.
IT Notice to Arvind Kejriwal, Privilege motion against Kiran Bedi and Prashant Bhushan, Delhi Police’s claim that CD showing the alleged deal between Amar Singh and Bushans are genuine:
Income Tax Department has slapped a notice on Team Anna member Arvind Kejriwal for violating the terms of his IRS service bond and claimed Rs 9 lakh in arrears. AS per the charge, Kejriwal who had resigned from ‘Indian Revenue Service’ in 2006 had not complied with the bond conditions for which he is under an obligation to pay Rs.9 lakhs now.
Team Anna has slammed the notice, calling it a politically motivated move and nothing but a smear campaign against all prominent personalities in the forefront of the anti-corruption movement.
Kejriwal had commented that no correspondence were there during the past four years. The Income Tax Department had given a notice on August 05, 2011 prior to Anna's commencement of fast beginning on August 16, 2011. He said “it seems I-T Department's political bosses ordered them to send me this notice. Government officers have been trying to dig up dirt on me for the past 10 years” He had taken the study leave from November 1, 2000 to October 31, 2002 and had reported for duty on November 01, 2002. The resignation was only in February 2006. During the period between 2004 and 2006 he was on Unpaid-Leave while as per his bond he did not resign in three years that followed his study leave. It is evident that I T depart is deliberately smudging him after a period of seven years.
Shanti Bhushan, the legal mind of Team Anna, is confronted by the Delhi Police, by claiming that the CDs allegedly showing a deal between the Bhushans and Amar Singh over a land deal was genuine. Kiran Bedi is facing a privilege motion against her in Parliament. It is very noteworthy that all this has happened immediately after the latest resolution in the parliament.
Kiran Bedi had opted to appear in front of a privileges committee, Prashant Bhshan is keen on moving to Supreme Court. Its look like that this battle is far from over.
It is to be noted that the privilege notice against Kiran Bedi is for her accusation of parliamentarians wearing "several masks" at the same time. Om many occasions both Ruling and Opposition benches in Parliament had accused many of their counterparts including P.M or Opposition stalwarts wearing a mask. Probably majority of our politicians wear masks otherwise they would not have got even the poll ticket to contest in an election or got elected through backdoor through nominations to Rajya Sabha! There is no meaning in clamping a privilege motion on Prashant Bhushan and Kiran Bedi. Beware that Kiran is all set to show a ‘bigger mirror’ while appearing for the hearing. It is desirable not to catch a tiger (tigress) on its tail!
The recent deliberations in both houses of Parliament solely to endorse the key cataloged ideas of the gandhian Anna Hazare so as to include in the draft Lokpal Bill have been really manifested for the sanitization of our political democracy. The way our Ministers and M.Ps participated without rubbing on the wrong side of political opponents should prevail on all divergent perceptions on various problems being encountered by our country. In fact the government could enhance its image to some extent when it gracefully conceded to Anna Hazare’s demands. There were misguiding apprehensions by antagonists of democratic foundations cautioning that conceding to the civil society will become even the downfall of the prestige of Parliament. These threats were rightly dispelled by spectrum of leaders mainly in the ruling Congress. Despite a belated realization, our Parliamentarians elevated its prestige for understanding the pulse of people’s aspirations.
At this time if the government goes for retribution on those who were in the forefront of the civil society will lead to downfall of the recouped image of P.M and his government. The congress high command should not spare any initiative for instructing various ministries not to resort to any political vendetta programmed against the civil society leaders.
The government had lost all credibility when the entire nation fell in the grip of shock and indignation over the fraudulent practices followed by the telecom ministry with the support of PMO and other ministries leading to the colossal loss to the exchequer. Scams after scams revealed to public how the government with its entity had acted in a irresponsible way as if it was absolved from the authority and responsibility in respect of issues connected with various ministries, especially those under the control of coalition partners. It was a shame that the government forgot that coalition was not for simply forming a regime but for arriving at a consensus on issues with clear understanding for the purpose of establishing a righteous regime. All lapses gave more chances to the people even to over-imagine scams that had to some extent underestimated the integrity of the Prime Minister. Further dishonor to congress is that it was still carryon the league with the regional parties just to stay in power and bury its inequities.
Anna could address the media upon his return to his hometown after discharging himself from the hospital. He said: “Why dig out this issue now after four years? I know Kejriwal and he is a selfless person.” Citing the incident of the Income Tax Department slapping a notice on Mr. Kejriwal, demanding for Rs. 9 lakh, he added that Kejriwal is working for the country; and he could have amassed a lot of wealth, but he did not. He cautioned- “If the government continues to do this, then civil society will have to look for another way to deal with this,” he said, wherein there a hint for a fresh agitation!
Anna Hazare believes that the victory in parliament in favour of his ‘Jan Lokpal Bill’ goes to people who supported and participated in the anti-corruption movement. At Ralegan Siddhi, his home town while addressing a huge crowd in the Shantiniketan Grounds Anna Hazare had waved the tri-colour at the people who were waiting to see him for the past three weeks. He told that the country is still being looted through corruption. Till this loot ends, there will be no real independence. The torch of struggle has been lit. People in every corner of the country are standing up.
He explained to the crowd on his 12-day ordeal that he and his team together with the gathered sympathizers of all ages had to undergo. According to him the Union Home Minister P.Chidambaram is a mischievous man as he had lied to his Team uring their anti-corruption struggle. He also narrated how the DIG (Prisons) of the Tihar Jail did not have any control over the situation, indicating that he was getting orders from the Home Ministry.
Anna hazare is of the view that the fight to end corruption would take at least 15 years more. “This is just the beginning; we still have a long way to go.” Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's dream of a disparity-free nation was still incomplete. “There are social and economic differences among the people. The honour of getting justice is the most important.” He said that farmers and labourers getting their due is important. His dream is get a “Jan sansad”, parliament of the common populace which is important, and anything is possible through it.
Tharoor fires salvo at Hazare:
Union Minister Shashi Tharoor had bombarded Anna and his team commenting that how can a person "who never stood for elections" can claim to be the voice of the people! He had asserted that laws can be made only by Parliament. He commented that the nation cannot have a small group of unelected people imposing their will on Parliament because in the long term the danger will be to you the people! Despite highly educated but the dim-witted M.P further reiterated "I do not believe that we can conduct democracy either from Ramlila Ground or from television studio. Democracy must be conducted through both Houses of Parliament."
I don’t know what made Sashi to talk stolidly and stupidly on Anna Hazare’s campaign for a prospective anti-graft bill? Quite surprising to note that he got worried on Anna Hazare’s campaign to get incorporated certain cataloged clauses in the prospective anti-graft bill. He had made sarcastic comments mocking the campaign of civil society as conducting democracy from Ralila ground or through TV News Channels. Having served U.N , he should not be unaware of the peoples’ movements that had prevailed on U.N for correct assessment of abuse of power by various regimes, violation of human rights, war crimes, ethnicity etc. It is unfortunate that Shashi Tharoor still perceives democracy only as a dominion entrusted with elected representatives within the four walls of their establishments so as to thrust rules on people without understanding their response. Shashi is just a first time M.P. was he not part of democracy prior to his entry into Parliament? Shashi Taroor must know that he has to inculcate himself with certain element of seriousness before giving comments on sensitive issues.
Z category security for Anna Hazare...Impediment for Anna’s access with frontline campaigners:
The latest new is on providing Z category security to Anna Hazare. AS per reports the Ahmednagar Superintendent of Police Krishna Prakash, who was responsible for the security arrangements at his native place Ralegan Siddhi had called on the crusader to discuss the security issues.It seems that Hazare had accepted the security reluctantly with the condition that the securitypersonnel under his escort should not wear upolice uniforms but only normal clothes.
I can perceive the high security purportedly to protect Anna Hazare from any adversaries of anti-corruption movement, only as a big conspiracy. Anna may find the daunting and flamboyant protocols becoming an impediment to his access with even frontline campaigners of anti-corruption movement. There will be some black-sheep amongst the security men in civil attires for whom it will be convenient to eavesdrop on any deliberations taking place at Anna’s camp. I wish that Anna consult his core teams on the envisioned security profile and look into all pro and cons
Passing the Anti-Graft bill should not be viewed as an end. People at all walks of life should be motivated to erase their old mindset ‘of getting things done to meet selfish ends at any cost’ and we should have a concerted mission to discourage tendencies that prompt corruption cropping up in various forms in disguise. Whatever be the outcome, the movement initiated by Anna Hazare will create a fresh social awakening amongst our young generation.
It is encouraging to note that Indian Expatriates in overseas are not for wearing an iron clad and get isolated from the anti-corruption movement happening in their native land. They will certainly contribute more resources to motherland and enable the transfer of CTS- Capital, Technology and Synergy to empower all facets of economic development.
Before concluding let me quote a comment by Chanrappan, a CPI leader in Kerala. I really like the way Mr. Chandrappan commented on Anna Hazare’s views as 'apolitically political’. Congress failed to recognize this point and tried to obliterate viewpoints of scholarly people who are unbiased and not politically motivated.
May be I am giving a regional- KERALA flavor to the subject. Chandrappan's perception was clear while he recalled the fate of Ex.CVC – P.J Thomas and demanding Oommen Chandy too to resign on moral grounds. Citing the palmolein import case he had rightly opinioned -“Chandy should not wait until he was ousted”. I salute you Sir.
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