New Delhi: 35,000 people that gathered this evening at Anna Hazare's mass-protest against corruption were given a simple message by the activist's aides: come again, and bring others. "Let us all pray for Anna," said Kiran Bedi, "and come and hear what we have to say." That invitation is being widely accepted by Delhi, which has shown no hesitation in backing the Gandhian and his team.
From Ramlila Maidan, now serving as Anna's base camp, the twin sights of the 74-year-old lying on stage six kilos lighter since his hunger strike began seven days ago, and the constant high tide of supporters showering him with encouragement telegraphed the dire need for an intervention by the government. (Read: Who is Anna Hazare?) | (Read: What is Jan Lokpal Bill?)
Anna's associates have made it clear to the government that the PM, Rahul Gandhi or a senior minister must take the lead in any negotiations with them. Sources said that spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who has put in frequent guest appearances on Anna's stage, may emerge as a key mediator. He is reportedly in touch with the activists, the government, and the BJP.
Sources say the government is considering taking the Opposition's help to decide on legislative options to take the dialogue forward. These include the option that the Jan Lokpal provisions to be introduced as an addendum or corrigendum to the government's Lokpal Bill draft.
These measures were discussed at the Prime Minister's meeting, late this evening, with senior colleagues to evaluate the government's options. Anna reiterated this morning that he will not end his fast till his version of the anti-corruption Lokpal Bill is cleared by Parliament.
The government spent the day stressing that it is open to discussions with Anna and his advisors. Speaking at IIM Calcutta, the Prime Minister said he's open to "a reasoned debate" on the Lokpal Bill. However, he stressed "The creation of the Lokpal as an institution will help. But it will not solve the problem... speedy trials and timely judgments will do a great deal to discourage corruption." (Read: Govt open to talks, PM reiterates) Anna's aides say they are keen to begin talks, but are waiting for the government to approach them.
The government's version of the Bill, introduced earlier this month in Parliament, has been attacked by Anna and other critics for being carefully calibrated to protect politicians and other public servants accused of graft. The Bill is being scrutinised by a Parliamentary committee headed by Rajya Sabha Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi. The Standing Committee working on the Bill, he said today, can alter the draft it has received by as much as 80 per cent, indicating a considerable ebbing of the government's earlier stand. (Read: The Standing Committee looking into the Lokpal Bill)
Anna's health and the teeming crowds he is drawing are both security concerns for the government, which is keen to end the stand-off with the activists, but not without ensuring its bases are covered. The government's invite in April for Anna and his partners to help draft the Lokpal Bill ended in acrimony as well as fierce criticism from parties like the BJP which pointed out that while civil society representatives had been consulted, the Opposition had been excluded from discussions on what's intended to be a historic piece of legislation.
Till last evening, therefore, the government was sending informal feelers to Ramlila Maidan via Umesh Chandra Sarangi, a senior bureaucrat from Maharashtra and spiritual leader Bhaiyyu Maharaj. Both men are from Anna's home state of Maharashtra and know the activist well.
But sources say Team Anna has made it clear that discussions with the government have to reflect the complex stature of a nationwide crisis; so a senior and national leader, perhaps even the PM, must manage the negotiations.
The Lokpal Bill - or even a condensed version of its main features - is not what is drawing the thousands of housewives, students and office-goers. Most people say they have run out of patience with systematic graft; it is corruption in public offices at all levels that people are tired of battling in everyday life. In Anna and his protest, they have found a channel for their frustration. There is an unofficial dress code at Ramlila Maidan which pairs "I am Anna" t-shirts with the Gandhi topi that Anna is rarely seen without. The chorus rings out periodically as the crowd churns: "Anna, tum sangharsh karo, hum tumhaare saath hain (Anna, you keep up the fight, we are with you)."
Arvind Kejriwal, a member of Anna's core team, said today that the activists' aim is not to destabilise the government. He also denied allegations that by asking people to protest outside the homes of ministers and MPs, he is inciting hooliganism. "We have simply asked people to protest peacefully," clarified Mr Kejriwal. Countering charges that Anna's movement is undermining Parliament and its right to legislate, Mr Kejriwal said, "What is democracy? It is not just voting once every five years and handing over your destiny to representatives. It is day-to-day engagement with your representatives." (Read: Hooliganism charges against us false, says Kejriwal)
And MPs are clearly feeling the pressure. A few from the Congress today publicly supported Anna. Navin Jindal, MP from Kurukshetra, tweeted "I fully support a effective Lokpal , #Anna's cause is exemplary and has to be done following due Parliamentary Process taking all on board (sic)." Sanjay Nirupman went a step further and donned the Anna topi or cap while meeting protestors at the Vile Parle police station. Priya Dutt, another MP from Mumbai, told demonstrators outside her home, "I'm in favour of a strong anti-corruption bill." She also backed Anna's demand for the Lokpal Bill to cover both senior judges and the Prime Minister. Both have been excluded from the government's draft. (Watch: Congress MPs offer support for Anna)
From Ramlila Maidan, now serving as Anna's base camp, the twin sights of the 74-year-old lying on stage six kilos lighter since his hunger strike began seven days ago, and the constant high tide of supporters showering him with encouragement telegraphed the dire need for an intervention by the government. (Read: Who is Anna Hazare?) | (Read: What is Jan Lokpal Bill?)
Anna's associates have made it clear to the government that the PM, Rahul Gandhi or a senior minister must take the lead in any negotiations with them. Sources said that spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who has put in frequent guest appearances on Anna's stage, may emerge as a key mediator. He is reportedly in touch with the activists, the government, and the BJP.
Sources say the government is considering taking the Opposition's help to decide on legislative options to take the dialogue forward. These include the option that the Jan Lokpal provisions to be introduced as an addendum or corrigendum to the government's Lokpal Bill draft.
These measures were discussed at the Prime Minister's meeting, late this evening, with senior colleagues to evaluate the government's options. Anna reiterated this morning that he will not end his fast till his version of the anti-corruption Lokpal Bill is cleared by Parliament.
The government spent the day stressing that it is open to discussions with Anna and his advisors. Speaking at IIM Calcutta, the Prime Minister said he's open to "a reasoned debate" on the Lokpal Bill. However, he stressed "The creation of the Lokpal as an institution will help. But it will not solve the problem... speedy trials and timely judgments will do a great deal to discourage corruption." (Read: Govt open to talks, PM reiterates) Anna's aides say they are keen to begin talks, but are waiting for the government to approach them.
The government's version of the Bill, introduced earlier this month in Parliament, has been attacked by Anna and other critics for being carefully calibrated to protect politicians and other public servants accused of graft. The Bill is being scrutinised by a Parliamentary committee headed by Rajya Sabha Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi. The Standing Committee working on the Bill, he said today, can alter the draft it has received by as much as 80 per cent, indicating a considerable ebbing of the government's earlier stand. (Read: The Standing Committee looking into the Lokpal Bill)
Anna's health and the teeming crowds he is drawing are both security concerns for the government, which is keen to end the stand-off with the activists, but not without ensuring its bases are covered. The government's invite in April for Anna and his partners to help draft the Lokpal Bill ended in acrimony as well as fierce criticism from parties like the BJP which pointed out that while civil society representatives had been consulted, the Opposition had been excluded from discussions on what's intended to be a historic piece of legislation.
Till last evening, therefore, the government was sending informal feelers to Ramlila Maidan via Umesh Chandra Sarangi, a senior bureaucrat from Maharashtra and spiritual leader Bhaiyyu Maharaj. Both men are from Anna's home state of Maharashtra and know the activist well.
But sources say Team Anna has made it clear that discussions with the government have to reflect the complex stature of a nationwide crisis; so a senior and national leader, perhaps even the PM, must manage the negotiations.
The Lokpal Bill - or even a condensed version of its main features - is not what is drawing the thousands of housewives, students and office-goers. Most people say they have run out of patience with systematic graft; it is corruption in public offices at all levels that people are tired of battling in everyday life. In Anna and his protest, they have found a channel for their frustration. There is an unofficial dress code at Ramlila Maidan which pairs "I am Anna" t-shirts with the Gandhi topi that Anna is rarely seen without. The chorus rings out periodically as the crowd churns: "Anna, tum sangharsh karo, hum tumhaare saath hain (Anna, you keep up the fight, we are with you)."
Arvind Kejriwal, a member of Anna's core team, said today that the activists' aim is not to destabilise the government. He also denied allegations that by asking people to protest outside the homes of ministers and MPs, he is inciting hooliganism. "We have simply asked people to protest peacefully," clarified Mr Kejriwal. Countering charges that Anna's movement is undermining Parliament and its right to legislate, Mr Kejriwal said, "What is democracy? It is not just voting once every five years and handing over your destiny to representatives. It is day-to-day engagement with your representatives." (Read: Hooliganism charges against us false, says Kejriwal)
And MPs are clearly feeling the pressure. A few from the Congress today publicly supported Anna. Navin Jindal, MP from Kurukshetra, tweeted "I fully support a effective Lokpal , #Anna's cause is exemplary and has to be done following due Parliamentary Process taking all on board (sic)." Sanjay Nirupman went a step further and donned the Anna topi or cap while meeting protestors at the Vile Parle police station. Priya Dutt, another MP from Mumbai, told demonstrators outside her home, "I'm in favour of a strong anti-corruption bill." She also backed Anna's demand for the Lokpal Bill to cover both senior judges and the Prime Minister. Both have been excluded from the government's draft. (Watch: Congress MPs offer support for Anna)
No comments:
Post a Comment