As surmises and suggestions on the Lokpal Bill drizzles down, this much is clear - using his moral charisma, Anna Hazare has channelled a groundswell of frustration over corruption. The Jan Lokpal campaign, a fast at its centre, music, flag-waving, even food stalls around it, epitomises the vibrancy of the Indian public, its politics poised dramatically between carnival and catasprophe. And finally - despite its great success, it's time for Anna to give the movement a break. Here's why.
Clearly, the resonance of the Jan Lokpal movement made the government finally take heed of public desire. The Prime Minister's recent communication to Anna was followed up by discussions between ministers and Jan Lokpal representatives. The government appears far less rigid now on issues like excluding the PM from the Lokpal's purview or aligning the CBI's anti-corruption wing to it. Considering its no-budge stand,these are considerable steps forward. Alongside, it seems the Jan Lokpal group has agreed to let the judiciary be governed by a strong Judicial Accountability Bill, not insist on the Lokpal surveying it. Considering fears over all constitutional bodies being examined by one institution, this too is positive.
Yet, trouble spots remain. There is little agreement over the inclusion of the lower bureaucracy or state Lokayuktas under a national Lokpal. There is also remarkably insufficient protection to whistleblowers under the government's version. While such divergences are insignificant, they can be solved by deciding what the Lokpal is meant to do - tackle big-ticket corruption or chase all levels of graft. Activist Aruna Roy envisions a Lokpal that pursues top-end corruption, leaving other levels to a strengthened Central Vigilance Commission. Surely that's a rational position, as it'll prevent the Lokpal going under from the sheer weight of all that falls within its jurisdiction. It's vital all rational views are noted and the best Bill created from these. That needs time - and patience. It cannot - and should not - be achieved by forcing Parliament to move pronto.
Anna's movement taking a breather would help this. Every movement has its moments. For the first time in 64 years, a powerful, cohesive public movement has risen against corruption. Through it, Anna's made his point and it's been duly noted. Corruption will not be tackled in a day. We need crusaders like Anna to keep up a consistent fight against corruption. The government can demonstrate its sincerity to
a doubting public by committing to convene a special session of Parliament where all versions of the Lokpal Bill would be discussed. And it's in the interest of all that Anna breaks his fast.
The above is an editorial published in TOI, Delhi, on 25th August.
I'm in full agreement with the Editor. Under the leadership of Anna Hazare, the citizens of India have expressed their opinion openly, and the government has mellowed down to sit for a discussion. In my opinion, the time is now ripe for a fruitful dialogue.
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