New Delhi: After the PM made a statement in Parliament on the arrest of activist Anna Hazare, the Opposition produced a strong comeback, accusing the government of lacking the will to fight corruption, and warning that "your arrogance will be your downfall."
Dr Manmohan Singh told first the Lok Sabha and then the Rajya Sabha that the Delhi Police was forced to arrest Mr Hazare yesterday because he planned to defy prohibitory orders and proceed with his planned fast in the capital. The demonstration was meant to protest against corruption and the new Lokpal Bill introduced by the government that is aimed at checking venality.
The PM's statement "does not only disappoint us but does not add to information," said the BJP's Arun Jaitley in Parliament. Adding that "we reject this thesis of police action and power", Mr Jaitley said that the government "can't impose conditions which render a protest redundant."
Mr Jaitey, through his speech, stressed repeatedly that while it does not necessarily support Mr Hazare's version of the Lokpal Bill - one developed by his team of activists - it is his emphasis on corruption that is striking a huge chord across a country and that the government must see this "as a wake-up call to set your house in order."
Mr Jaitley also made it clear that it does not believe that Mr Hazare's planned demonstration undermines the exclusive right of the Parliament to handle legislation. In his statement, the PM had said, "When some sections of society deliberately challenge the authority of the Government and the prerogative of Parliament, it is the bounden duty of the Government to maintain peace and tranquility."
Mr Jaitley retorted, "The PM in his statement has posed a question...as to who drafts the laws and who makes the laws of this country. I don't think there is a serious debate inside or outside the House on this. I am left wondering as to who really runs this country."
Accusing the government of arrogance and of being advised by "too many lawyers" (a quick swipe at those like senior minister Kapil Sibal who have been countering Mr Hazare), Mr Jaitley said, "You have a serious political issue which is being debated for the last few months and climaxes in last few days...and we find that the political leadership of this country is hiding behind men in uniform...and telling us that the entire crisis was being handled by policemen."
Mr Jaitely charged. "I think it is time for the PM to stand up and take more decisions. He must go to the root of this issue as to why there's a certain loss of confidence in his government."
Urging the PM to see the support for Mr Hazare as a "wake-up call", Mr Jaitley said, "On Independence Day, the most defining moment was not the PM unfurling the flag at Red Fort, but the news that Anna was on a fast at Rajghat and thousands of people started arriving there to show solidarity. The defining moment of yesterday was that news of his arrest spread...and that in thousands of places all over the country, protests took place."
Mr Jaitley said this telegraphs that "India is exasperated with corruption and with this leadership which has been unable to tackle corruption."
Dr Manmohan Singh told first the Lok Sabha and then the Rajya Sabha that the Delhi Police was forced to arrest Mr Hazare yesterday because he planned to defy prohibitory orders and proceed with his planned fast in the capital. The demonstration was meant to protest against corruption and the new Lokpal Bill introduced by the government that is aimed at checking venality.
The PM's statement "does not only disappoint us but does not add to information," said the BJP's Arun Jaitley in Parliament. Adding that "we reject this thesis of police action and power", Mr Jaitley said that the government "can't impose conditions which render a protest redundant."
Mr Jaitey, through his speech, stressed repeatedly that while it does not necessarily support Mr Hazare's version of the Lokpal Bill - one developed by his team of activists - it is his emphasis on corruption that is striking a huge chord across a country and that the government must see this "as a wake-up call to set your house in order."
Mr Jaitley also made it clear that it does not believe that Mr Hazare's planned demonstration undermines the exclusive right of the Parliament to handle legislation. In his statement, the PM had said, "When some sections of society deliberately challenge the authority of the Government and the prerogative of Parliament, it is the bounden duty of the Government to maintain peace and tranquility."
Mr Jaitley retorted, "The PM in his statement has posed a question...as to who drafts the laws and who makes the laws of this country. I don't think there is a serious debate inside or outside the House on this. I am left wondering as to who really runs this country."
Accusing the government of arrogance and of being advised by "too many lawyers" (a quick swipe at those like senior minister Kapil Sibal who have been countering Mr Hazare), Mr Jaitley said, "You have a serious political issue which is being debated for the last few months and climaxes in last few days...and we find that the political leadership of this country is hiding behind men in uniform...and telling us that the entire crisis was being handled by policemen."
Mr Jaitely charged. "I think it is time for the PM to stand up and take more decisions. He must go to the root of this issue as to why there's a certain loss of confidence in his government."
Urging the PM to see the support for Mr Hazare as a "wake-up call", Mr Jaitley said, "On Independence Day, the most defining moment was not the PM unfurling the flag at Red Fort, but the news that Anna was on a fast at Rajghat and thousands of people started arriving there to show solidarity. The defining moment of yesterday was that news of his arrest spread...and that in thousands of places all over the country, protests took place."
Mr Jaitley said this telegraphs that "India is exasperated with corruption and with this leadership which has been unable to tackle corruption."
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