'It will be a misfortune if Pranab is elected'

Calling it a 'Do or Die against Corruption' campaign, the India Against Corruption (IAC) team is trying to recreate last year's magic in its fight for a strong Lokpal. Nivedita Khandekar in conversation with Arvind Kejriwal.

Calling it a 'Do or Die against Corruption' campaign, the India Against Corruption (IAC) team is trying to recreate last year's magic in its fight for a strong Lokpal.

But this time, at the protest at Jantar Mantar from July 25, there will be two major changes: Arvind Kejriwal, along with Manish Sisodia and Gopal Rai, will be on an indefinite fast.

Another major difference will be that septuagenarian anti-graft crusader Anna Hazare, the face of the movement, will not be fasting this time.

Excerpts from an interview with Kejriwal:

From an overwhelming response in 2011 to a not-so-great response in June this year, it seems the movement has fizzled out. Why?
Who is saying that? You should come to our rallies… the crowds are swelling. We have no money and resources of our own. People are organising rallies. The movement is becoming stronger.

What kind of response are you expecting this time, especially after a low turnout at the June protest?
I am confident that it will be phenomenal. The June event was Ramdev Baba's programme. We were invited there. (But) why are you trying to divide people as those of IAC and those of Ramdevs. The common man is fed up of both black money and corruption.

Your views on the status of the bill from the government side?
The government is neck-deep in corruption. We have already furnished strong evidences of corruption against 15 of its ministers. The PM and the Congress are adamant on protecting their ministers and have refused to set up independent investigations. One of the 15 tainted ministers, Pranab Mukherjee, is a presidential candidate. Had Lokpal been there, he would not have been the presidential candidate. If he is elected, it is the country's misfortune.

You are a diabetic and yet you are going on fast.
I have consulted the doctors and they have advised against it. But I am prepared to take risks. There is corruption everywhere and it is happening with brazenness. This corruption is translating into rising prices and is affecting people severely. The time for sacrifice has come.

Will Anna Hazare be fasting too?
He is keen but we have requested him not to because of his health.

In April 2011, you asked people to join the fast but later discouraged those who wanted to. How would it be this time?
Last August, there were major logistical problems as most of us had been into Tihar and were soon out at the Ramlila maidan. This time, we are better organised. We are asking people to fast with us… we have made an appeal and people are responding.

Your expectations from the government and the people?
It is a people's movement and we are part of it. It is for the people to come forward and fight. But we expect a lot from the government. First, there has to be an independent investigation against the 15 tainted ministers. Second, there is a need of setting up fast track courts for the trial of 162 tainted members of Parliament. And pass the Jan Lokpal bill as soon as possible.

Government's Lokpal Bill is pending at the Select Committee. Do you think at this stage it is possible to incorporate all the changes that you want and pass the bill?
If there is political will, it is entirely possible to incorporate all the changes and pass the bill within 24 hours.