Rahul Gandhi is right in saying, in the context of Anna Hazare's fast demanding the Jan Lokpal Bill, that democracy should not be weakened by individual dictates. Overruling Parliament will indeed set a dangerous precedent. He is also right in pointing out that the Lokpal alone is not enough to eradicate corruption. The whole nation is serious about eliminating corruption. But we cannot allow an individual to dictate terms. Civil society is not an elected body. We should allow Parliament to enact a law against corruption.
S. Koti Reddy,
Hyderabad
Of course, it is Parliament's prerogative to make laws. But our MPs have introduced a weak and ineffective Lokpal Bill for obvious reasons. It is the insensitivity and inactivity of successive governments that have led people to rally around Mr. Hazare. A strong and effective Lokpal is the need of the hour. It does not matter where the bill comes from — the public or the government.
Sanjeeda Khurana,
New Delhi
A strong Lokpal Bill will not only be the first step in eradicating corruption but will also lead to a better Parliament consisting of sincere, honest leaders.
It is earnestly hoped that without standing on technicalities, Parliament will take up the Jan Lokpal Bill for discussion and pave the way for Mr. Hazare to end his fast.
V. Seetharamiah,
Bangalore
We have heard political parties, including the Prime Minister, say Parliament is supreme and that it should not be hijacked by individuals or groups, especially Mr. Hazare and his associates. This makes us wonder whether citizens should submit meekly to the laws made by MPs, without even debating their pros and cons or organising protests against them. It is not the absolute right of political parties to organise protests and dharnas. The public, too, has the right to protest against a government and its policies.
Vijayaraghavan Menon,
Ernakulam
Talks, talks and more talks … we expect them to find a solution out of the impasse. But one cannot go on talking the way India and Pakistan have been doing for decades. Talks should yield positive results. Parliament is indeed supreme and people should accept the decisions taken by a majority of MPs.
That said, the UPA government has messed up the corruption issue. It should not have underestimated people's power. The best way to come out of the mess would be for Dr. Singh to meet Mr. Hazare at the Ramlila Maidan and request him to end his fast.
Shankar Shashindran Pillay,
Thrissur
On Thursday, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the Leader of the Opposition and the Speaker appealed to Mr. Hazare in one voice to end his fast. Dr. Singh acknowledged that Mr. Hazare had made his point and said Parliament would discuss his suggestions on the Jan Lokpal. Was Anna's response befitting of a man who believes in democracy? I don't think so. With all its flaws, Parliament is the force that drives India forward and it should be so as long as we remain democratic. When the entire institution stands as one and requests a citizen to do something, it is equivalent to virtually the whole of India doing so. Mr. Hazare should have respected the voice, if not for the politicians, for the institution called Parliament.
Holding a gun to Parliament's head may be a way to make yourself heard but it is certainly not the way to get things done. Anna Hazare is not above Parliament.
S. Gokul,
Thiruvananthapuram
We are fighting corruption, not any political party. Political parties, therefore, should stop using the movement against corruption as an occasion to confuse people and get support. Our only aim is to establish a corruption-free India.
J. Amal Bosco,
Thiruvananthapuram
The main topic of discussion among the middle classes (to which I too belong) today is fighting for rights — the gandhian or the non-gandhian way. They have lost sight of the need to change. They want others to change so that “I” can live better. This thinking is against the glorious nation that provides us the wings of liberal thought and a platform for change. Let us remember that change should start from “I.”
Roshan Alex Cherian,
Thrissur
The Lokpal Bill will, in no way, help curb corruption. The politician-bureaucrat-contractor nexus will find enough loopholes to carry on with business as usual. I see only one way to curb corruption. Instead of wasting our time on protests, wearing “I am Anna” t-shirts, waving national flags, putting on Gandhi topi s and shouting slogans, let us decide not to pay taxes. Why? Because we have no guarantee that the tax money is used on our welfare. Let us not pay taxes for, say, five years or till such time as the government retrieves the black money stashed away abroad.
Hamza ben Abdul Rahman,
Bangalore
True, a protest which proclaims ‘it is only my way' is not correct in the constitutional sense. But, then, what exactly is the “best way” to make the government listen to people's demands? Whatever the motivation of Team Anna behind getting the Jan Lokpal Bill tabled in Parliament, is it not in the interest of common citizens to have a starting point from where action against corruption can be taken? The common man feels that Team Anna is fighting in his interest. And that is what is fuelling his “movement,” however wrong it may be by way of flouting democratic practices.
Tanvi Hooda,
New Delhi
