Foundation is laid but don't expect a miracle: Santosh Hegde

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Team Anna member N Santosh Hegde on Sunday saluted Parliament for rising to the occasion and giving its nod to key elements of Jan Lokpal bill, but cautioned that people should 'not expect a miracle' as enacting the legislation will 'take its own time'.

He was also against exerting 'more pressure' on Parliament on the issue now. "I am sure they (Parliament) will understand the necessity for quick enactment because that will bring glory for them (Parliamentarians) also," the former Supreme Court Judge, who was part of the joint Lokpal bill drafting panel, said.

"We have achieved the first milestone in having a strong Lokpal Act and it may take its own time -- it's not something you can expect today, tomorrow or next month," he said, adding, "Let not the people of India expect a miracle. But we have just put the foundation for a strong Lokpal bill."

He said what Parliament has done for the people of India "at least in this regard...may be because of Anna's efforts.. is something great.

"I thank each one of them. Parliament has risen to the occasion. We do share a part of the victory with Parliament", Hegde, who till recently served as Karnataka Lokayukta, said.

He said the agitation for a strong and effective Lokpal, spearheaded by Hazare has achieved a lot. "It's a victory for the people of India. Anna has achieved for the people of India."

Hegde said the government should continue to respect the feelings of the people.

With hurdles cleared for a strong and effective anti- corruption law, Hegde said the focus should now be on issues of electoral and police reforms and black-money besides implementation of certain reports, including that on illegal mining that he submitted to the Karnataka Government last month when he was the Lokayukta.

While it's important to keep the momentum going, he felt the tempo may not be the same as one witnessed for Jan Lokpal bill.

"But the momentum indicating the awareness of the people should be there."