The Lokpal bill could not be passed in 42 years. It will be no wonder if it can't be passed this time either. But unlike on other occasions, if the bill is not passed this time, perhaps it'll never be passed. The differences between the representatives of civil society and the government in the joint drafting committee can be sorted out through discussions if the UPA government's intentions are genuine. A toothless bill will serve no purpose. The members of civil society may not have been elected. But they have overwhelming support as was evident when Anna Hazare went on an indefinite fast.
Ujjal K. Pal,
Kolkata
Neither the Anna Hazare nor the Baba Ramdev team is for usurping powers or weakening parliamentary democracy. There is no dispute over the fact that the Lokpal bill should be passed in Parliament. The UPA government is only trying to mislead the public by referring to “coercive methods.”
That the government is unwilling to set up a constitutional machinery to investigate and prosecute corruption in high places, even though the protests against the evil are widespread, is surprising. The protests may be led by civil society members but they represent the voice of the people.
Lochan Mohan,
Haryana
Congress leader Manish Tewari has described the Anna Hazare campaign as a tyranny of the unelected. But what options do people have when leaders will not do anything to check rampant corruption? The Congress acts only when it is forced by either the people or courts. The Prime Minister is not seen except when he is on foreign tours.
Anand Sriram & Swati Sriram,
Mumbai
Mr. Hazare has threatened to resume his fast from August 16 if the Lokpal bill is not passed by then. The discussions in the joint drafting committee have reached a deadlock primarily over the question of including the Prime Minister under the bill's purview. What is wrong in including the Prime Minister?
The government representatives should view the matter in the larger public interest and drop their confrontationist attitude. Only this will ensure that the government is committed to eradicating corruption.
S. Nallasivan,
Tirunelveli
