In political circles, there is agreement so far only on the premise that the government, and some of the more daft elements in the Congress who occasionally betray signs of thinking that shooting your way out of trouble is the only way for a ruling party, have bungled in dealing with the issues posed by the mass mobilisation brought about by Anna Hazare on fighting corruption. This is true, but all too pat. It is also a touch self-serving as far as the non-Congress parties are concerned.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s letter to Mr Hazare on Tuesday, in which he urged a consensus on provisions to be adopted in respect of the proposed Lokpal legislation while reassuring the eminent campaigner that he was on the same side as the anti-corruption campaign, is regrettably glossed over in what appears to be a discourse of convenience. The letter did set in motion backroom negotiations, and conversations between the opponents, paving the way for Wednesday’s all-party meeting held at the government’s initiative to locate a modus vivendi to cope with the difficult political situation that has been thrown up. However, a consensus eluded the political class on the way forward, although Mr Hazare’s health parameters are a cause for worry in the wake of his prolonged fast.
The situation is likely to turn markedly grim should the worst-case scenario materialise. Nevertheless, the parties in Parliament appeared to have played straightforward party politics, possibly with a view to leaving the ruling party isolated. Perhaps they reckon this would increase Congress’ vulnerability in coping with the current impasse, and eventually benefit them when elections come. Senior BJP leader L.K. Advani’s demand that the Manmohan Singh government throw in the towel and call for a mid-term poll is suggestive in this context. The only thing on which the all-party meeting could show unanimity was in expressing solicitude for Mr Hazare’s health. They urged him to give up his fast.
On current form, the protest veteran and his messianic team are unlikely to be impressed. Perhaps the Prime Minister should make a statement in Parliament soon, after conferring with the Hazare group on the scope for expanding the area of agreement between the government’s Lokpal Bill and that of the protest movement, while urging consideration of other alternatives. It is also important to persuade Mr Hazare that the August 30 deadline set by him to pass a new law will not pass muster in Parliament, given the mood at the all-party confabulation. In any case, deadline threats will not yield a good, reasonable law.