Self-styled Gandhian Anna Hazare’s attempt to unite the Opposition against the government received a jolt with CPI national secretary D. Raja pointing a finger at him for “paving the way for emergence of authoritarianism and fascism”. Even CPI general secretary A.B. Bardhan, who attended Mr Hazare’s Jantar Mantar rally on December
11, asked, “The Lokpal issue is not limited to Anna, so why are we giving so much importance to this man?”
Mr Raja told this newspaper: “To undermine Parliament, political parties and the political process is to create a condition of anarchy, which will pave the way for emergence of authoritarianism and fascism.” Mr Bardhan, meanwhile, lashed out: “You (Anna) should not think that these 9-10 people of yours are the repository of all wisdom. There is no dearth of scholars in a country of 120 crore. Team Anna should also listen to others and have the patience to listen to others.”
However, Mr Hazare appeared to be in no mood to give the government a chance. Even as PM Manmohan Singh said the government was “working day and night” to shape the Lokpal Bill, Mr Hazare continued to suspect the government’s motive.
The PM, on his way back from Moscow, said he was “hopeful” that the anti-corruption legislation would be brought to the Union Cabinet by Sunday for approval and made it clear the government was “sincere” in its effort to pass the bill. “Once the legislation is in Parliament, it is in the hands of Parliament. We don’t know what could happen, but there should be no doubt about our sincerity...” the PM said.
However, in his four-page letter, Mr Hazare felt the government’s behaviour was “not at all right”. He asked why the PM had “changed his stand on a citizens’ charter despite a written assurance that it would be part of the Lokpal Bill” and accused the government of “betraying their countrymen”. Incidentally, his letter did not blame the BJP for stalling Parliament though he had earlier urged saffron veteran L.K. Advani to let Parliament function since the bill was getting hit, sources said. Instead he threatened the government, saying, “Despite your promises, if a strong, independent and effective bill is not passed in the session, I will be forced to sit on a fast from December 27. Jail-bharo agitation will start from December 30.”