Asking Anna Hazare to adopt a “more rational approach” with regard to his demand for a strong Lokpal, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday made it clear that Parliamentary democracy cannot be undermined.
Responding to a letter from former Chief Justice J. S. Verma, Dr. Singh asserted that it is only after “due deliberation” that a law can be passed that not only meets the aspirations of the people but is also “practical and effective”.
Virtually rejecting the August 30 deadline set by Mr. Hazare for passage of the Jan Lokpal Bill, he said, “It is the bounden duty of Parliament to pass a law only after its members have had reasonable time and opportunity to hear a wide range of public opinions and apply their minds to its various provisions.”
The Prime Minister asked Mr. Verma to use his good offices to urge Mr. Hazare and his supporters “to adopt a more rational approach in dealing with this complex problem”.
Dr. Singh’s letter came after talks between the government and Team Anna ended in a deadlock last night with two sides failing to resolve sticky issues, prompting the civil society to declare that they were “back to square one”.
Mr. Hazare’s fast entered the tenth day Thursday amid mounting concerns over his health and his team accusing “some strong elements” in the government of nullifying the entire dialogue process.
