On the eve of self-styled Gandhian Anna Hazare’s fast in Mumbai, the RSS has come out openly in his support. “The government has been constantly changing its position on the Lokpal Bill. This is mainly due to Annaji’s agitation and relentless pressure.
The RSS supports anyone who fights against corruption,” said senior RSS leader Manmohan Vaidya when asked about the outfit’s views on Hazare’s three-day fast. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat had earlier declared support for the activist’s campaign.
As expected, rejecting the government’s move to table the Lokpal Bill on Tuesday and its appeal to “wait for the outcome of the debate”, Mr Hazare will go ahead with his three-day fast in Mumbai starting Tuesday. He had earlier said he might defer his fast if the government tabled the bill. Team Anna told its supporters to prepare for a “jail bharo” agitation from December 31.
Unfazed by these threats, the Congress on Monday described the Mumbai agitation as “obstructionist tactics”. Finance minister Pranab Mukherjee said in Kolkata that it was for Parliament to decide the “final shape” of the bill. Mr Mukherjee is likely to reply to the eight-hour-long debate.
The Lokpal Bill is listed for discussion along with the Constitution amendment bill to give constitutional status to the Lokpal and Lokayuktas. The Whistleblowers Bill is also likely to be taken up. The Congress issued a three-line whip to its members to be in the House between December 27 to 29. The BJP and the Left intend to move amendments to the contentious legislation.
Sources said Team Anna, now rapidly losing sympathisers both in the political and civil society fronts, “feels there is no option but to try and keep the agitation alive by every possible means”.
In a desperate bid to justify his agitation before the bill is taken up, Mr Hazare said “in spite of being asked not once but several times, the government is not creating an anti-corruption law.”
Parliamentary affairs minister Pawan Kumar Bansal on Tuesday appealed to all parties to vote for the bill. He said: “Lawmaking is not a static exercise; one can make changes later”.
While the BJP plans to move six amendments, it appears to be wary about some NDA allies, particularly the Akalis. The BSP might oppose the bill, while the RJD is likely to support the government. The Samajwadi Party and the Trinamul Congress are yet to make their stand clear.