Putting pressure, demanding from MPs is the right of the people
On the eve of anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare's indefinite fast, termed as the first step of the parivartan ki ladai (fight for change) by India Against Corruption (IAC) campaigners, HT catches up with Arvind Kejriwal, a leading IAC member, on Thursday.
On the eve of anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare's indefinite fast, termed as the first step of the parivartan ki ladai (fight for change) by India Against Corruption (IAC) campaigners, HT catches up with Arvind Kejriwal, a leading IAC member, on Thursday. Excerpts:
After earning the right to protest Anna Hazare's fast starts at Ramlila maidan on Friday as part of your India Against Corruption movement. What next?
Lokpal Bill.
There were rumours that you have struck a deal with the government on some issues. Has some compromise been worked out?
Can there be a compromise on corruption? We did a survey across the country wherein we asked people 'would you like to take out any of these issues?' Overwhelmingly people are saying, 'no compromise'.
What do you expect the government to do?
They should present a bill having these points in the Parliament. They can either withdraw the existing bill that is with the Parliamentary standing committee or suggest amendments to it.
Do you think all political parties are in favour of inclusion of these points?
It is a complex issue. It is not a black and white. Each party has different position on different points that we are raising. Ultimately, all the political parties should see the overwhelming support that the bill is getting all across the country. Since they are representatives of the people, they should respect the demands of the people.
Political parties were equivocal in the Parliament on Wednesday saying making laws is a prerogative. So where do your demands fit in it?
Protesting is the prerogative of the people of this country. And putting pressure on the Parliament and demanding from the MPs is the right of the people.
How far are you ready to take the agitation?
This dharna is part of the agitation. We are determined to the end to have a good Lokpal bill.
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