Jan Lokpal Bill is very regressive: Says Arundhati Roy

Writer Arundhati Roy on Tuesday cast doubts over Anna Hazare's anti-graft campaign saying the civil society's Jan Lokpal Bill is a "dangerous piece of legislation".


"I am skeptical about the legislation (Jan Lokpal Bill) itself for a good number of reasons. I think the legislation is a dangerous piece of work," Roy told CNN-IBN in an interview.


Alleging that the civil society used public anger in their favour, the Booker Prize winner novelist said "You (civil society) used the real and legitimate anger of the people against corruption to push through this specific piece of legislation which is very regressive. It could have turned from something inclusive to destructive and dangerous."


Calling the Hazare-led movement a "copy book World Bank agenda", Roy said "It was an NGO-driven movement byKiran Bedi, (Arvind) Kejriwal and (Manish) Sisodia.


"Three of them run NGOs and all the three core team members are Magsaysay Award winners... World Bank and Ford Foundation fund the anti-corruption campaigns. This is copy book World Bank agenda though they might have not meant it."


The writer said "Anna Hazare was picked up and propped up as the saint for the masses. He was not the brain behind the movement. We really need to be worry about it."


She also said the Hazare-led movement was not the same thing as a people's movement and accused the media of engineering it.


"Obviously people joined in but all of them were not middle class and many came for a sort of reality show well orchestrated by media campaigns," she said.


"For a nation of one billion people, the media did not find anything else to report. Certain major TV channels campaigned for said to be doing so. That's a kind of corruption for me at first place," she said.


"If it was only for TRP then why not to settle for pornography or something which gives more TRP?" she asked.

"Jan Lokpal Bill is very regressive: Says Arundhati Roy"

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Lokapl Bill: How the government stumbled at every bend

From the very beginning of the Jan Lokpal movement led by Anna Hazare, the government failed to understand the popular sentiment behind it. Here are some mistakes the government could have avoided.

Blunder No. 1

PM Manmohan Singh on March 3, 2011, invited Anna for a discussion and legitimised Anna's standing vis-à-vis the issue of the appointment of an ombudsman

Blunder No. 2

As the number of Anna's supporters at Jantar Mantar began to swell, the government panicked and announced a joint drafting committee. The unprecedented step accorded full legitimacy to Team Anna in drafting an official Bill

Blunder No. 3

The govt courted Ramdev, but its midnight crackdown at the Ramlila Maidan showed its determination to suppress dissent

Blunder No. 4

When the stand-off between Anna and the govt began to climax, neither side budged. Perched on its ivory tower, the govt failed to assess the extent of public anger across the country on the issue of corruption in public offices. The govt started treating Anna as a rival, its ministers began to openly deride the civil society members. This alienated the govt from the masses

Blunder No. 5

The govt 'took on' Anna and his core team by itself. It chose to exclude other political parties from negotiating with Team Anna on the Lokpal Bill In the process, the govt distanced itself further from the Opposition parties, with the BJP reacting strongly

Blunder No. 6

The PM kept wavering on the issue of including his office in the Lokpal's ambit His "helplessness" in the I-Day address conveyed that the govt had no will to take on the corrupt The personal attacks byCongress leaders Kapil Sibal and Manish Tewari painted the ruling dispensation in poor light The offensive mellowed down only after Rahul Gandhi advised his partymen not to launch personal attacks on Anna

Blunder No. 7

City police commissioner B. K. Gupta (right) did repeat flip-flops on allotting Anna a venue for his protest The govt's decision to arrest and release Anna within 12 hours was like eating the proverbial humble pie. It led to a groundswell of public support for the septuagenarian crusader

"Lokapl Bill: How the government stumbled at every bend"

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Anna Hazare breaks his fast, his team thanks PM for ending Lokpal logjam

Anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare on Sunday ended his 12-day long fast against corruption at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi, ending months of deadlock over the Lokpal Bill issue.

In a symbolic gesture, a Dalit girl offered coconut water and honey to the 74-year old Gandhian whose campaign galvanised widespread support against corruption. (In pics: India celebrates Anna's victory)

On Saturday, the anti-corruption crusader had announced he would call off his fast after the government accepted his key demands. He said what had happened in Parliament on Saturday was a victory of the people. He said this after Deshmukh read out the letter appealing to him to end his fast.

Earlier, the eight-hour long extraordinary debate in Parliament on the Lokpal issue on Saturday ended with the government finally agreeing to a resolution that includes all three of Anna Hazare's demands. 

Soon after the resolution was passed, the prime minister said, "Parliament has spoken. The will of Parliament is will of the people."

Although there was no vote, the "sense of House" resolution was passed unanimously in the House with the thumping of desks.

Leader of the House Pranab Mukherjee requested Speaker Meira Kumar to adopt the sense of the House as a resolution and forward it to the standing committee.

The resolution says that the House agrees in principle for a strong and effective Lokpal and also for establishment of Lokayuktas in the state. The House has also agreed to set up a citizens' charter. It also recommends the setting up of an appropriate mechanism to bring lower bureaucracy under the Lokpal.

"Anna Hazare breaks his fast, his team thanks PM for ending Lokpal logjam"

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Lokpal Bill: Govt relents, agrees to Team Anna's demand to bring resolution for vote

Team Anna on Saturday dismissed an imminent breakthrough in the Lokpal logjam. Even as Parliament debated the Lokpal Bill, Team Anna has expressed unhappiness after speaking to Law Minister Salman Khurshid.

Anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare's associate Prashant Bhushan accused the government of going back on its word of passing a resolution in Parliament as the fasting Gandhian had demanded.

Slamming the government for diluting the Lokpal Bill debate in Parliament, Bhushan said the least it wanted was a resolution followed by a voting on three key issues.

"Yesterday there was an impression that there would be a resolution on the key issues, to be voted upon. Now we are being told there won't be any resolution. Nor will there be any voting. Only discussion will happen," Bhushan told reporters in Delhi.

"This is not what we had understood. It's not meaningful. At least the House should move a motion and a voting should take place under Rule 184 as mentioned by Anna Hazare in his letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday," he said, adding, "This is very unfortunate. Why is there no viting?"

On being asked if Hazare would break his fast on Saturday, Bhushan said, "That is a decision that Anna has to take."

Maintaining that a voting was a must, Bhushan said, "People of this country need to know where our parties/MPs stand over the three issues that are being debated in Parliament today."

Parliament on Saturday debated the Lokpal Bill, including three contentious issues raised by Team Anna, including covering the entire bureaucracy and Citizens' Charter for public grievances under Lokpal and Lokayuktas in the states.

Draft for the Lokpal Bill
The power corridors are abuzz with hectic activity with leaders weighing pros and cons of an apparent reconciliation draft for the Lokpal Bill.

The draft that will be put before Parliament will reflect the sense of the House. It is being vetted by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Copies of the same have been circulated to all political parties.

Sources told Headlines Today that all three demands of the fasting Anna Hazare have been accepted.

The BJP, JDU and the Congress, it seems, are now in agreement, while the BSP has agreed to only two points.

Team Anna is meeting Union Law Minister Salman Khurshid at his house.

While Prashant Bhushan and Arvind Kejriwal are part of the meeting, there is no confirmation yet if Kiran Bedi is there or not.

Khurshid went into that meeting after having a brief closed-door conference with the prime minister.

Earlier, the government asked Parliament to consider Anna Hazare's three key demands on Lokpal Bill within Constitutional framework and by preserving Parliament's supremacy.

The three issues are: bringing the lower bureaucracy under the Lokpal, setting up Lokayuktas in states and setting up Citizens Charter in government offices.

Making identical statements in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to form the basis for a debate, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said the issues raised by Hazare are "important" and "genuine" which "deserve our serious consideration".

BJP said it found considerable merit in three contentious issues raised by Team Anna, including covering the entire bureaucracy and Citizens' Charter for public grievances under Lokpal and favoured Lokayuktas in the states.

However, it said inclusion of Prime Minister under Lokpal should be with the exception of certain areas like national security.

Pranab hoped that there could be a consensus in the House on the issues contained in the Jan Lokpal bill propsed by Team Anna so that the sense of the house could be conveyed to the parliamentary committee that is currently examining the government version of the Lokpal bill.

"The standing committee can take up their practicality, constitutionality and implementability," Mukherjee said.

"We are at the crossroads. This is a rare occasion when the proceedings (of the House) are drawing the attention of the entire nation and perhaps outside the nation also

He hoped for an objective discussion to "ensure we can resolve the impasse" and without compromising parliament's supremacy and the framework of the constitution.

Anna Hazare's fast for a stringent Lokpal bill entered its 12 day Saturday. Team Anna has made three demands: that the lower bureaucracy be brought under the purview of the Lokpal, that Lokayuktas in the states be brought under the Lokpal and that a citizen's charter for government departments be worked out.

Hazare's health condition worsens
As Anna Hazare's fast spilled over to the 12th day, doctors on Saturday raised concerns over his health saying they are more worried as the Gandhian's blood pressure has dipped while heart beat has increased.

More doctors have been stationed at Ramlila Maidan to keep a watch on the health of the 74-year-old Gandhian, whose hunger strike for a strong Lokpal has crossed 260 hours.

Dr Naresh Trehan, whose team is examining Hazare during the fast, said "We have more concerns than last night. His blood pressure has decreased while heart beats have increased.

"The blood pressure was going steady but it has come down. We have taken blood samples. Due to his weight loss, there is energy loss also," he said.

He said since blood pressure has decreased, they have doubled the number of doctors at the Maidan to attend to him.

Team Anna sources said doctors were really worried and they fear that his internal organs have started getting affected due to the fast.

Hazare has lost more than seven kgs since August 16 when he sat on a hunger strike for a strong Lokpal Bill.

Last night, Trehan said, "There are concerns though his blood pressure and heart beat are okay. He has been asked to take more rest and not to strain himself."

BJP, Team Anna wanted voting after debateThe BJP and Hazare's team were in favour of voting after the discussion in Parliament. Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj gave a notice for discussions under Rule 184. In Rajya Sabha, Opposition leader Arun Jaitley moved a motion demanding discussion under Rule 168. Both the rules mandate voting.

Rahul suggests Lokpal on lines of ECHazare's ongoing fast was lauded by Rahul in his Zero Hour speech in Lok Sabha on Friday, but he emphasised that the fight against corruption had to move beyond setting up an effective Lokpal.

"We can't wish away corruption. It will require a comprehensive programme of action. There is a perception that enactment of single Bill will eradicate corruption. I have serious doubts about that," Rahul said.

"The Lokpal law is just one element in the fight against corruption. Laws are also required on government funding of elections, land issues and mining," he said, reminding MPs that they had the responsibility of allowing Parliament to function so that such laws could be enacted.

"Why not make the Lokpal a constitutional body like the Election Commission?" asked Rahul, all the while being backed by Congress MPs.

"Democractic processes cannot be undermined. Underming Parliament's supremacy is dangerous for democracy," he cautioned. "Let us commit ourselves to truth and probity in life. We owe it to the people of India."

Split in Hazare camp?Clear divisions appeared in Hazare's camp as civil society members Swami Agnivesh and Justice Santosh Hegde criticised the continuing hardline over the fasting.

Justice Hedge, the former Lokayukta of Karnataka, said Hazare should end his fast and even hinted that he was being used by some members of his team. "Sometimes I feel that I am not in Team Anna... that's what I feel. I am with him (Anna), but too far away," Hegde said.

Swami Agnivesh claimed Hazare was being misguided by his key associates Bedi and Arvind Kejriwal. He said he had pulled himself out of the campaign to retain self-respect.

"A few people have hijacked Anna Hazare's movement. People running the show are being disrespectful," Agnivesh said, insisting that Hazare should have called off his fast after the prime minister's appeal.

"Lokpal Bill: Govt relents, agrees to Team Anna's demand to bring resolution for vote"

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Hazare may end fast today amid signs of Lokpal breakthrough in Parliament

The power corridors are abuzz with hectic activity with leaders weighing pros and cons of an apparent reconciliation draft for theLokpal Bill.

The draft that will be put before Parliament will reflect the sense of the House. It is being vetted by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Copies of the same have been circulated to all political parties.

Sources told Headlines Today that all three demands of the fasting Anna Hazare have been accepted.

The BJP, JDU and the Congress, it seems, are now in agreement, while the BSP has agreed to only two points.

Team Anna is meeting Union Law Minister Salman Khurshid at his house.

While Prashant Bhushan and Arvind Kejriwal are part of the meeting, there is no confirmation yet if Kiran Bedi is there or not.

Khurshid went into that meeting after having a brief closed-door conference with the prime minister.

Earlier, the government asked Parliament to consider Anna Hazare's three key demands on Lokpal Bill within Constitutional framework and by preserving Parliament's supremacy.

The three issues are: bringing the lower bureaucracy under the Lokpal, setting up Lokayuktas in states and setting up Citizens Charter in government offices.

Making identical statements in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to form the basis for a debate, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said the issues raised by Hazare are "important" and "genuine" which "deserve our serious consideration".

BJP said it found considerable merit in three contentious issues raised by Team Anna, including covering the entire bureaucracy and Citizens' Charter for public grievances under Lokpal and favoured Lokayuktas in the states.

However, it said inclusion of Prime Minister under Lokpal should be with the exception of certain areas like national security.

Pranab hoped that there could be a consensus in the House on the issues contained in the Jan Lokpal bill propsed by Team Anna so that the sense of the house could be conveyed to the parliamentary committee that is currently examining the government version of the Lokpal bill.

"The standing committee can take up their practicality, constitutionality and implementability," Mukherjee said.

"We are at the crossroads. This is a rare occasion when the proceedings (of the House) are drawing the attention of the entire nation and perhaps outside the nation also

He hoped for an objective discussion to "ensure we can resolve the impasse" and without compromising parliament's supremacy and the framework of the constitution.

Anna Hazare's fast for a stringent Lokpal bill entered its 12 day Saturday. Team Anna has made three demands: that the lower bureaucracy be brought under the purview of the Lokpal, that Lokayuktas in the states be brought under the Lokpal and that a citizen's charter for government departments be worked out.

Hazare's health condition worsens
As Anna Hazare's fast spilled over to the 12th day, doctors on Saturday raised concerns over his health saying they are more worried as the Gandhian's blood pressure has dipped while heart beat has increased.

More doctors have been stationed at Ramlila Maidan to keep a watch on the health of the 74-year-old Gandhian, whose hunger strike for a strong Lokpal has crossed 260 hours.

Dr Naresh Trehan, whose team is examining Hazare during the fast, said "We have more concerns than last night. His blood pressure has decreased while heart beats have increased.

"The blood pressure was going steady but it has come down. We have taken blood samples. Due to his weight loss, there is energy loss also," he said.

He said since blood pressure has decreased, they have doubled the number of doctors at the Maidan to attend to him.

Team Anna sources said doctors were really worried and they fear that his internal organs have started getting affected due to the fast.

Hazare has lost more than seven kgs since August 16 when he sat on a hunger strike for a strong Lokpal Bill.

Last night, Trehan said, "There are concerns though his blood pressure and heart beat are okay. He has been asked to take more rest and not to strain himself."

BJP, Team Anna wanted voting after debateThe BJP and Hazare's team were in favour of voting after the discussion in Parliament. Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj gave a notice for discussions under Rule 184. In Rajya Sabha, Opposition leader Arun Jaitley moved a motion demanding discussion under Rule 168. Both the rules mandate voting.

Rahul suggests Lokpal on lines of ECHazare's ongoing fast was lauded by Rahul in his Zero Hour speech in Lok Sabha on Friday, but he emphasised that the fight against corruption had to move beyond setting up an effective Lokpal.

"We can't wish away corruption. It will require a comprehensive programme of action. There is a perception that enactment of single Bill will eradicate corruption. I have serious doubts about that," Rahul said.

"The Lokpal law is just one element in the fight against corruption. Laws are also required on government funding of elections, land issues and mining," he said, reminding MPs that they had the responsibility of allowing Parliament to function so that such laws could be enacted.

"Why not make the Lokpal a constitutional body like the Election Commission?" asked Rahul, all the while being backed by Congress MPs.

"Democractic processes cannot be undermined. Underming Parliament's supremacy is dangerous for democracy," he cautioned. "Let us commit ourselves to truth and probity in life. We owe it to the people of India."

Split in Hazare camp?Clear divisions appeared in Hazare's camp as civil society members Swami Agnivesh and Justice Santosh Hegde criticised the continuing hardline over the fasting.

Justice Hedge, the former Lokayukta of Karnataka, said Hazare should end his fast and even hinted that he was being used by some members of his team. "Sometimes I feel that I am not in Team Anna... that's what I feel. I am with him (Anna), but too far away," Hegde said.

Swami Agnivesh claimed Hazare was being misguided by his key associates Bedi and Arvind Kejriwal. He said he had pulled himself out of the campaign to retain self-respect.

"A few people have hijacked Anna Hazare's movement. People running the show are being disrespectful," Agnivesh said, insisting that Hazare should have called off his fast after the prime minister's appeal.

"Hazare may end fast today amid signs of Lokpal breakthrough in Parliament"

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BJP asks Rahul to persuade PM to amend Lokpal Bill

The BJP on Friday criticised Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi's speech in the Lok Sabha, saying he should not give sermons to the nation and persuade Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to bring changes in the Lokpal Bill.


"We don't want Rahul's sermons. It is surprising that he is giving sermons to the nation but his party under Manmohan Singh is dilly-dallying on a strong Lokpal issue. We urge him to stop sermonising and persuade Prime Minister to bring changes in the Lokpal Bill," BJP leader Ananth Kumar said reacting to the speech delivered by Gandhi on Friday.


Kumar alleged that the current stalemate on the Lokpal issue was "due to the Congress and the UPA led by Manmohan Singh".


"Yesterday, the entire house and Manmohan Singh expressed concern over Anna's health but government is still dragging its feet over the issue. The government Lokpal Bill is totally malafide," he said.


Kumar said his party wants "a strong and effective" Lokpal on the lines of Jan Lokpal Bill proposed by anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare and his team.


"BJP has clarified its stand. We are for a strong and decisive Lokpal on the lines of Jan Lokpal Bill," he said.

"BJP asks Rahul to persuade PM to amend Lokpal Bill"

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Parliament uproar postpones Lokpal debate till Saturday; Anna fasts for 11th day

A scheduled debate in Lok Sabha on various versions of theLokpal Bill, including that of fasting anti-corruption activistAnna Hazare, was stalled on Friday as government and Opposition fought over the modalities. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal said the debate may now be held only on Saturday.

The House was adjourned after the BJP created a ruckus, demanding a debate under Rule 184 that allows voting. The notice for the debate had earlier been sent under Rule 193 that does not entail voting. Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar held an all-party meeting in an attempt to resolve the deadlock.

Lok Sabha convened at 2:15 pm for the debate but protests from the Opposition led to an adjournment till 3:30 pm.

The Congress accused the BJP of not allowing the House to function. Bansal kept asking the BJP to clarify its stand on the Lokpal Bill. He charged the BJP leaders of hypocricy, saying they were speaking one thing outside Parliament and another inside.

'Anna ready to break fast'The developments came as Hazare's fast entered its 11th day at the Ramlila Maidan. Hazare's associate Kiran Bedi said the Gandhian activist would end his hunger strike once Parliament passed a resolution that met his demands. These are: the inclusion of lower bureaucracy under Lokpal, a citizens' charter and the setting up of state Lokayuktas.

"Today is a key moment for India's future. The resolution by MPs will be victory for every Indian," Bedi said.

Prashant Bhushan, another Hazare associate, said: "A mere discussion will not do. Parliament will have to pass a resolution indicating that the Lokpal Bill covers the three issues raised by Anna."

Can't delay Parliament debate: Team AnnaHazare's team demanded that Parliament, if need be, hold the debate on Saturday too, saying that Hazare's health was precarious after 11 days of fasting and corruption was a critical issue. It also called for a debate under Parliament rules that allow voting.

BJP wants voting after House debateThe BJP too demanded voting after the discussion in Parliament. Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj gave a notice for discussions under Rule 184. In Rajya Sabha, Opposition leader Arun Jaitley moved a motion demanding discussion under Rule 168. Both the rules mandate voting.

Rahul suggests Lokpal on lines of EC

Rahul Gandhi in Lok Sabha.

Hazare's ongoing fast was lauded by Rahul in his Zero Hour speech in Lok Sabha, but he emphasised that the fight against corruption had to move beyond setting up an effective Lokpal.

"We can't wish away corruption. It will require a comprehensive programme of action. There is a perception that enactment of single Bill will eradicate corruption. I have serious doubts about that," Rahul said.

"The Lokpal law is just one element in the fight against corruption. Laws are also required on government funding of elections, land issues and mining," he said, reminding MPs that they had the responsibility of allowing Parliament to function so that such laws could be enacted.

"Why not make the Lokpal a constitutional body like the Election Commission?" asked Rahul, all the while being backed by Congress MPs.

"Democractic processes cannot be undermined. Underming Parliament's supremacy is dangerous for democracy," he cautioned. "Let us commit ourselves to truth and probity in life. We owe it to the people of India."

BJP MPs interrupt Rahul speech
Rahul's statement sparked off an uproar in the House, with BJP MPs rising from their seats and shouting slogans. His speech was interrupted several times. BJP leader Ananth Kumar later stepped up the attack on the Congress by asking if Rahul or the prime minister was running the government.

Earlier in the day, Rahul met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, apparently to discuss the Lokpal Bill.

MPs give notice for House debate 

Doctors examine Anna Hazare at the Ramlila Maidan.

As the Lok Sabha session began on Friday, Congress MPs Jagdambika Pal, Anu Tandon and Sanjay Nirupam gave a notice to Speaker Meira Kumar, seeking a debate on the Jan Lokpal Bill under Rule 193.

This was after Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Bansal expressed doubts whether a debate could take place on Friday as there was no notice for it.

The government had on Thursday agreed to a debate on three versions of the Lokpal Bill in Lok Sabha, giving rise to hopes of a resolution of the ongoing crisis.

Team Anna's draft resolution for Parliment

Supporters of Hazare in New Delhi.

Hazare's team has proposed a resolution for Parliament. It reads as:
1) A Lokpal Bill shall be passed by Parliament in the ongoing session, which will set up an independent Lokpal institution at the Centre and an independent Lokayukta institution on the same model in each state.
2) The House further resolves that Lokpal shall have jurisdiction over all public servants at the Centre and the Lokayukta shall have jurisdiction over all public servants in respective states.
3) Such law would require that all government departments make Citizens' Charters to give information about which public-dealing work being done in how much time and by which officer. Violation of the Citizens' Charter shall be penalised by Lokpal or Lokayukta.

Anna writes to PMHazare also wrote a letter to the prime minister, which was taken to him by Union Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh. The highlights of the letter are:
- I am not sitting on a fast for serving my selfish purpose. I am just a common man and I want to help the poor people of this country. I have no partaking in power politics.
- Our movement is not against any person or any party. We want to fight and remove corruption. During this movement, if anything said by any of the team members has hurt your sentiments, then I apologise on their behalf.
- The common man is getting affected on a day-to-day basis due to corruption.
- (Mentioning the three demands on Lokpal Bill) If these can be accepted by Parliament, I will end my fast. Else I will keep sitting at Ramlila Maidan.

Meetings were held to finalise the government's response to Hazare's letter. The first meeting was held at Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee's office in Parliament. It was attended by MPs Sachin Pilot, Milind Deora, R.P.N. Singh and Jitin Prasada.
 Govt wants assurance from Anna

Supporters of Anna Hazare shout slogans outside the PM's residence.

The government has sought a concrete assurance from Hazare that he will break the fast after Parliament takes up his Jan Lokpal Bill.

Congress MP Sandeep Dikshit, one of the negotiators for the government, said Hazare should keep the sanctity of his fast and stick to his words.

"This hunger strike has been an ideal for all. Anna is kind-hearted, I appeal to him to break his fast. He had said he will end his fast as the discussion begins. Since everybody is ready for the discussion, he should end the fast," he said.

Split in Hazare camp?
Clear divisions appeared in Hazare's camp as civil society members Swami Agnivesh and Justice Santosh Hegde criticised the continuing hardline over the fasting.

Justice Hedge, the former Lokayukta of Karnataka, said Hazare should end his fast and even hinted that he was being used by some members of his team. "Sometimes I feel that I am not in Team Anna... that's what I feel. I am with him (Anna), but too far away," Hegde said.

Swami Agnivesh claimed Hazare was being misguided by his key associates Bedi and Arvind Kejriwal. He said he had pulled himself out of the campaign to retain self-respect.

"A few people have hijacked Anna Hazare's movement. People running the show are being disrespectful," Agnivesh said, insisting that Hazare should have called off his fast after the prime minister's appeal.

Team Anna meets Left leadersA day after meeting the BJP top brass, Hazare's team met CPI(M) leaders on Friday.

"We are going back to all political parties to ask which provisions of the Lokpal need more clarification," said Bedi.

After meeting CPI(M) leader Prakash Karat, Bhushan said, "I have given clarifications that the CPI(M) sought. The party has indicated that they by and large support the Jan Lokpal Bill."

"Parliament uproar postpones Lokpal debate till Saturday; Anna fasts for 11th day"

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Dalits call Anna stir 'upper caste' !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The anti-politician feeling generated by Anna Hazare's agitation, combined with Arvind Kejriwal's association with the Youth for Equality, the organisation that spearheaded the anti-reservation agitation in the AIIMS, has triggered a sense of unease among parliamentarians belonging to Dalit and backward communities.

Dalit and OBC MPs on Wednesday lamented the "attack on the supremacy of Parliament and the Constitution". From BJP's Hukumdeo Narain Yadav to JD-U president Sharad Yadav and Lok Janshakti Party president Ram Vilas Paswan, there was a sharp attack on what the MPs said was an attempt to "undermine the Constitution".

This happened on a day when Dalit leader Udit Raj of the All India Confederation of SC/ST Organisations led a march of around 500 activists from Jantar Mantar to India Gate againstHazare's agitation. The rally brought peak hour evening traffic to a crawl in central Delhi.

"Anna must clarify his stand on several issues before he speaks about the Jan Lokpal Bill," Raj said. The protesters said Hazare's protest was as "upper caste movement that has little to do with the oppressed classes of society". Udit Raj's supporters criticised Team Anna's Bill for leaving out of Lokpal's ambit NGOs, media and the corporate sector.

Like them, the Dalit MPs too felt that the Jan Lokpal Bill assumes supremacy of an unelected panel over legislature, executive and the judiciary. This has instilled a fear among MPs belonging to weaker sections who perceive Hazare's stir as an upper- caste movement.

Narain Yadav, a Lok Sabha MP from Bihar, expressed his unhappiness at the " exclusion" of weaker sections from the debate at the BJP parliamentary party meeting.

JD-U president Sharad Yadav received applause from the treasury as well as the Opposition benches when he said corruption in society was linked to the caste system and couldn't be eliminated through a law alone.

"No law can prevent corruption that is inherent in Indian society because of the caste system. Unless there is social justice, corruption will continue to plague the system. When the drains are flowing with sewage, how will sprinkling a bit of DDT help? You need to clean the drain," Yadav said in the Lok Sabha.

"Dalits call Anna stir 'upper caste' !!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

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Anna Hazare says he can hold talks with PM or Rahul Gandhi only !!!!!!!!!!!!

With Lokpal jogjam bringing the government to its knees, there is some of ray of hope about an early solution to crisis. Anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare on Monday said he would only negotiate with either Prime Minister Manmohan Singh or Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi.

According to media reports, Hazare, whose fast over a stronger Lokpal Bill entered its seventh day on Monday, has clarified nothing less than the Prime Minister or the Gandhi scion, will do - Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram or Human Resources Development Minister Kapil Sibal are also a no-no for him.  Govt open to reasoned debate on Lokpal Bill: Manmohan
The Lokpal Bill negotiations cannot happen with non-government mediators, Hazare said, adding, he can talk either with the Prime Minister's Office or Rahul. The crusader expressed willingness to speak with Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan as well.
 

Supporters of Anna Hazare march to Ramlila Ground in New Delhi on Aug. 21, 2011.

Hazare, who said that no official mediator has approached him or his team, said he would speak to mediators in the presence of his advisers only. (Video: Salman Khurshid speaks exclusively to Headlines Today)

While hinting at some flexibility over excluding judiciary from the Lokpal purview, Hazare said the Judicial Accountability Bill must be strengthened. However, he was unrelenting on his key demand: Lokpal Bill introduced by the UPA government in Parliament must be withdrawn immediately as it was weak.

Meanwhile, the government has gone into a huddle over the Lokpal crisis. A meeting at Chidambaram's house has just got over. Law Minister Salman Khursheed and Minister of State in the PMO V. Narayanswami also attended the meeting.

The meeting came after Team Anna on Monday said government should appoint a negotiator to hold talks with Hazare on the Jan Lokpal Bill and withdraw its draft from Parliament.

"If the government wants to talk to us it should appoint a negotiator," Swami Agnivesh, one of the members of Team Anna's core committee, said, adding, "We are open for talks. In order to open a door for dialogue, the government has to create an atmosphere."

Anna loses 5 kgsThe septuagenarian anti-corruption activist, who has been fasting since August 16 for a stronger Lokpal Bill, has lost weight significantly. On the seventh day of his hunger strike, he was found to have lost around 5 kg as a team of doctors examined him at Ramlila Maidan on Monday morning.
"He has lost five kilograms in the past seven days. His weight has come down to 67 from 72 kg. His blood pressure is 130/80 and pulse rate 90," close associate Manish Sisodia told reporters in New Delhi.

Hazare's key aide Arvind Kejriwal said ketones were found in his blood and urine samples. He, however, ruled out any serious health problem to the veteran Gandhian.

Ketones in urine can give an early indication of insufficient insulin in a person who has diabetes. Its presence in urine indicates blood in the urine. Kejriwal, however, said Hazare was not diabetic.

"The ketone level in blood and urine has risen slightly. There is nothing to worry as of now. He is fine," he said.

'Whom do we meet', asks Team AnnaOn the other side, Kejriwal put the ball back in the government's court saying no one from the government had approached the civil society to resolve the impasse over the Lokpal Bill.

Supporters of Anna Hazare hold a huge Indian flag as they march during a rally in support of Hazare in Mumbai on August 21, 2011.

"The prime minister tells you people (media) that they are ready for talks. But we are asking again and again where do we come? Whom do we meet? Until we don't have a concrete proposal, we cannot react to it," Kejriwal said.

Team Anna asserted that they have no intention to topple the government. They however defended the Gandhian's remarks that the government should go if the bill was not passed by August 30.

Our motive is not to topple the govt: KejriwalAsked about Hazare's statement that the government should go if it does not pass the bill by August 30, Kejriwal said Team Anna has no intention to topple the government.

"We have been repeating that our motive is not to topple the government. If the government is so insensitive even on the seventh day of protest and mass gathering, they are saying we will protect corruption and shelter the corrupt...so what is wrong if Hazare said this," he said.

Noting they have not changed their stand and they could not leave the government free to help corrupt people, he put the ball in government's court on negotiations saying now the way ahead has to be decided by the government.

"If they have the political will, it will take less than two minutes to pass the bill," Kejriwal said.

Government has initiated move for back-channel negotiations by roping in Additional Chief Secretary of Maharashtra Umesh Chandra Sarangi and spiritual guru Bhaiyyuji Maharaj. Both had a meeting with Hazare and his team on Sunday.

Security tightened at Ramlila Maidan

A child dozes off as supporters march to Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi on August 21, 2011.

Meanwhile, thousands of people reached the venue for hunger strike, Ramlila Maidan, to express solidarity with Hazare, 73, who began his fast in police custody on August 16.

Police enhanced the security at Ramlila Maidan on Monday morning deploying additional personnel, including a woman unit of the CRPF.

A senior police official looking after security arrangements said CRPF and Delhi Police personnel have been asked to keep a tight vigil and ask for identity cards in case of suspicion.

"Anna Hazare says he can hold talks with PM or Rahul Gandhi only !!!!!!!!!!!!"

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Anna Hazare supporter IIT student refuses to accept degree from PM

Supporting the cause of Anna Hazare-led civil society for a stronger Lokpal Bill, a final year Bachelor of Technology (B. Tech) student of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur has refused to accept his degree from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The student has announced that he would not accept the degree from the prime minister, who is scheduled to attend the graduation ceremony being held on Monday as the chief guest. The student has been urging his batchmates to join the protest.

The situation could become embarrassing for the prime minister if more students join in the protest.

"Anna Hazare supporter IIT student refuses to accept degree from PM"

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On seventh day of fast, Hazare loses five kgs but refuses to budge

Septuagenarian anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare, who has been fasting since August 16 for a stronger Lokpal Bill, has lost weight significantly. On the seventh day of his hunger strike, he was found to have lost around 5 kg as a team of doctors examined him at Ramlila Maidan on Monday morning.

"He has lost five kilograms in the past seven days. His weight has come down to 67 from 72 kg. His blood pressure is 130/80 and pulse rate 90," close associate Manish Sisodia told reporters in New Delhi.

Hazare's key aide Arvind Kejriwal said ketones were found in his blood and urine samples. He, however, ruled out any serious health problem to the veteran Gandhian.

Ketones in urine can give an early indication of insufficient insulin in a person who has diabetes. Its presence in urine indicates blood in the urine. Kejriwal however said Hazare was not diabetic.

"The ketone level in blood and urine has risen slightly. There is nothing to worry as of now. He is fine," he said.

'Whom do we meet', asks Team Anna
On the other side, Kejriwal put the ball back in the government's court saying no one from the government had approached the civil society to resolve the impasse over the Lokpal Bill.



Supporters of Anna Hazare hold a huge Indian flag as they march during a rally in support of Hazare in Mumbai on August 21, 2011.
"The prime minister tells you people (media) that they are ready for talks. But we are asking again and again where do we come? Whom do we meet? Until we don't have a concrete proposal, we cannot react to it," Kejriwal said.

Team Anna asserted that they have no intention to topple the government. They however defended the Gandhian's remarks that the government should go if the bill was not passed by August 30.

Our motive is not to topple the govt: Kejriwal
Asked about Hazare's statement that the government should go if it does not pass the bill by August 30, Kejriwal said Team Anna has no intention to topple the government.

"We have been repeating that our motive is not to topple the government. If the government is so insensitive even on the seventh day of protest and mass gathering, they are saying we will protect corruption and shelter the corrupt...so what is wrong if Hazare said this," he said.

Noting they have not changed their stand and they could not leave the government free to help corrupt people, he put the ball in government's court on negotiations saying now the way ahead has to be decided by the government.

"If they have the political will, it will take less than two minutes to pass the bill," Kejriwal said.

Government has initiated move for back-channel negotiations by roping in Additional Chief Secretary of Maharashtra Umesh Chandra Sarangi and spiritual guru Bhaiyyuji Maharaj. Both had a meeting with Hazare and his team on Sunday.

Security tightened at Ramlila Maidan

A child dozes off as supporters march to Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi on August 21, 2011.
Meanwhile, thousands of people reached the venue for hunger strike, Ramlila Maidan, to express solidarity with Hazare, 73, who began his fast in police custody on August 16.

Police enhanced the security at Ramlila Maidan on Monday morning deploying additional personnel, including a woman unit of the CRPF.

A senior police official looking after security arrangements said CRPF and Delhi Police personnel have been asked to keep a tight vigil and ask for identity cards in case of suspicion.

"On seventh day of fast, Hazare loses five kgs but refuses to budge"

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Arvind Kejriwal, you say that you are willing to listen to better ways to fight corruption? Then here they are

In this Prashant Bhushan and Arvind Kejriwal seem to suggest that IF BETTER SOLUTIONS TO REMOVE CORRUPTION EXIST, THEY WILL BE HAPPY TO LISTEN.
Well, Arvind, if you are serious about removing corruption, then please read BFN – it contains the comprehensive package for removal of corruption.
To make things easy for those who don't like reading books, I've summarised the issues in two blog posts which Shantanu has kindly combined here.
And to make things EVEN more simple, for people who can only see ONE thing at a time, and can't look at the whole picture, I've even said this – that Anna should focus on ONE key demand: state funding of elections.
I know this doesn't look like "FIGHTING" corruption. It won't bring down the corrupt ministers who rule India today, but it will ensure that  NO CORRUPT PEOPLE ENTER FUTURE PARLIAMENTS.
Arvind, much as I respect your work (although I've expressed clearly its limitations earlier, here), I suggest that your diagnosis of the problem is WRONG.
Corruption is caused largely by

(a) electoral laws that ONLY ALLOW THE CORRUPT TO ENTER, and

(b) socialist policy that CREATES OPPORTUNITIES FOR CORRUPTION.

Corruption is NOT caused by any "shortage" of Lokpal.
Hence if you are SERIOUS (and I'm not sure you are, given I've been writing about this for quite some time now – and my book is widely available, free of cost), please consider the detailed references above.
To simplify matters even more, let me list the five things I wrote about and which are published on Shantanu's blog:
1. State funding of elections
2. Remove all limits to electoral funding
3. Ensure the MOST RIGOROUS disclosure requirements for political donations
4. Pay the politicians VERY WELL.
5. Elect politicians who promote classical liberalism. 
You'll note that the Lokpal bill doesn't figure in this list. It is there in BFN (something implicitly on these lines), but it is a MUCH LOWER ORDER "solution", for it will NOT work unless 99% of the people who enter parliament are good people.
Let me now see if you are HONEST AND GENUINE about your openness to new ideas, or you will simply continue to insist that your views are right without considering the DETAILED alternatives that others – with SOLID experience and analysis – FAR MORE THAN YOU BRING TO THE TABLE – may care to suggest.
I look forward to your changing your mind on the LP bill and focusing on these five solutions, instead.
I also look forward to your joining FTI. Together let us take over the parliament and change India.

"Arvind Kejriwal, you say that you are willing to listen to better ways to fight corruption? Then here they are"

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Anna Hazare's fast enters Day 6; his team chalks out strategy

Gandhian activist Anna Hazare's fast for a strong Lokpal Bill entered the sixth day in New Delhi on Sunday, with thousands packing the spacious Ramlila ground.

Hazare, 74, "is fine", an activist of India Against Corruption said. "He was fine till late yesterday, and so is the condition now I think."

The volunteer added that a meeting of Hazare and his close aides was going on but the subject being discussed was not known.

An estimated 10,000 people were at the Ramlila ground Sunday morning, raising slogans hailing the Gandhian for insisting on an effective anti-corruption legislation.

A large number was also having breakfast provided by the organisers - biscuits, bread pakora, patty, aloo puri, and tea.

Many poured through Hindi newspapers, also distributed for free at the site.

Hazare began his indefinite fast on August 16 soon after his detention while he was proceeding to the J.P. Park.

The same day he was taken to Tihar Jail, where he remained until Friday when he shifted to the Ramlila ground.

More crowds at Ramlila Maidan
In a setback to the government, the second consecutive night of the Gandhian's protest witnessed more crowds than the first.

The large number of supporters was due to a clear sky with rains not playing spoilsport like on the previous night and over the weekend.

"We are not being funded by anyone. Everyone of us has contributed whatever they could for this cause. We brought the food here from Palwal... This is all for Anna and his fight against corruption that affects every one of us," said Subhash, a volunteer.

Scores of protesters stayed back at the spacious grounds throughout the night raising impromptu slogans, majority of which were anti-government and anti-Congress, singing patriotic songs, bhajans, and playing musical instruments like tabla and violin.

Hazare's supporters - most of them have come from different parts of the country and some from abroad - slept wherever they could find place, in lawns, on chairs, tables, pavements, and even on the ground.

Ajay Sharma, an IT sales Executive, who came all the way from Singapore on August 16 especially to be a part of Anna's movement, was seen picking up trash left over by the people from the grounds.

"This is my country and I have to clean it. This is what Anna is doing also, he wants to make India free of corruption and I have come from Singapore to do my bit," Sharma said.

Cutting across age and gender people from across the country thronged the Ramila Maidan. .

Rahul Singh, who is pursuing MA in Patna, and his businessman friend Neeraj have come from Bihar to bring a "decisive change" in the system.

"Not only us, people from across the country have come here to support Hazare in his fight against corruption and injustice. Look at the condition of the poor living in metros like Delhi... They're living a dog's life. Does anyone care?" Singh asked.

"I would rather become a farmer than pay a bribe to get a job... I cannot loot my own people like our politicians," he said.

People came in groups while some even brought their families to the venue.

Anuj Gupta came with his wife, two daughters, two sons and niece to extend his support to a "just" cause and to ensure a better future for their children.

"Everywhere we are supposed to pay bribes to get our work done. Every institution in this country is corrupt...

This is not the future I want to give to my children. Anna has touched our souls by raising this issue and we will continue to support him," Gupta said.

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"Anna Hazare's fast enters Day 6; his team chalks out strategy"

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Anna Hazare stir at Ramlila: Who said what

The Anna Hazare-led civil society and the government are once again staring at a deadlock with both the sides toughening their stand on the Lokpal Bill. Here are some comments on the stalemate.

Anna Hazare, anti-corruption activist: "I have lost 3 and half kilos but don't worry. We will keep fighting for Lokpal Bill. I feel a little weak but there is nothing to worry about it. The fight will go on till we get a strong Lokpal."

Shanti Bhushan, former Law minister and member of the Lokpal draft panel:  "The government can pass it (Lokpal Bill) within days if it has a strong will to do it.  I have been a Union Law minister and I know how things happen in government."

Arvind Kejriwal, RTI Activist and close aide of Anna Hazare: "If the government desires, it can pass 15 bills in five minutes. But for the anti-corruption bill, they are taking more than 42 years. So we want to know how many more years will they take?"

Amitabh Bachchan, Bollowood actor: "A movement like this comes within the constitutional boundaries of our country. In a democracy like ours, everyone has the right and freedom to voice their opinion about any issue. We understand the system and if one follows it, then there is no problem."

"Anna Hazare stir at Ramlila: Who said what"

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A thinktank brings Anna the eyeballs

"Never start a press conference at 7:30 PM. That's when TV news channels run sports shows. They will not cut out of cricket to show your press conference. Avoid live briefings at 2:30 PM, that's when Hindi news channels run Saas-Bahu shows, which get very good ratings. Channels will not break out of their Saas-Bahu shows." These are amongst the gems of insider information that Team Anna has relied on to outsmart and outmanoeuvre the government's much-vaunted media managers.

In an era when TV channels are forever 'Breaking News', Team Anna has shown great mastery in using the TV camera to communicate its message and keep the heat on the government. Compared with a government that takes several hours, some times days, to communicate its stance, Team Anna has been able to ensure that it sets the news agenda, forcing a desperate government to play catch up.

Team Anna formulated its media strategy using the help of some former TV journalists. The likes of Manish Sisodia, who worked with Zee News as a producer, and Shazia Ilmi, who was one of the lead anchors at Star News for several years, help Team Anna get an insider's perspective on how TV channels run and how to stay on top of the news cycle.

Here are some of Team Anna's Dos and Don'ts when it comes to the media. "Never kick off a major protest on a Sunday or a holiday, that's when TV channels have a lot of pre-recorded shows and space for live news is limited. Plus, all the big anchors and editors take the day off. Stories get played up more when the top editors are present in the news room." Sample another, "Unlike the government, do not make the mistake of neglecting Hindi channels and regional media, since most of the audiences are actually watching news in vernacular languages and not in English."

In just the same way as editors conduct a news meeting every morning, key members of Team Anna too hold their own media strategy meeting. In this meeting, different ideas are discussed. The team then comes up with catchy headlines, like "Joke Pal not Lok Pal", headlines that these professionals from their past experience know the media is likely to lap up.

Talking points are circulated to members who will be appearing on TV debates or giving print interviews. The instruction is clear, don't get bogged down by the noise of a TV discussion and regardless of what the anchor asks or the other panellists allege, ensure that what you say does not stray from the key issue of Jan Lokpal and corruption.

The strategists also realise the importance of keeping the message fresh to ensure that 'Breaking News' is supplied at regular intervals. Letters to the Prime Minister or Sonia Gandhi, or photo opportunities like Anna sitting at Rajghat on Independence Day are part of this strategy. Team Anna has realised the importance of symbolism, which is how Anna's image in front of Mahatma Gandhi's samadhi became the defining image this Independence Day, instead of the Prime Minister speaking at Red Fort.

Not just is the importance of communicating the right message understood, attempts are also made to ensure that there are no deviations from the central message. When Anna Hazare spoke out in favour of Narendra Modi, the media strategists quickly understood that this comment could end up alienating apolitical supporters and fuel allegations that Anna was the BJP's B-Team. Very quickly, it was clarified that Anna only praised Modi's development work and did not condone state-sponsored riots. When allegations were levelled that the RSS was sponsoring Anna's campaign, attempts were made to rope in faces from the Muslim community to give the movement an inclusive feel.

Team Anna has even engaged an external media tracking agency that pores over every line of news carried in newspapers and TV channels. If the team feels the media is drifting from their message, meetings are immediately convened and course correction strategies chalked out.

Attempts to leverage the media are not restricted to TV and print, social media too is given a major thrust, which is what explains the large turn-out of youngsters at places like India Gate and Azad Maidan. A dedicated team of volunteers constantly updates India Against Corruption, Facebook pages and Twitter handles, which is how the youth know where to assemble and when. Communication is localised down to every city so that the campaign is not restricted only to Delhi and Mumbai.

Compare Team Anna's cutting edge media strategy with that of the UPA government. For 72 hours after Baba Ramdev was unceremoniously evicted from Ramlila Maidan in the middle of the night, the government made no effort to explain to a horrified nation, what prompted the police's mid-night crackdown. Even in the case of the PM's faux pas on Bangladesh in the Editor's roundtable, it took the PMO more than 30 hours to remove the offending remarks from the PMO website. In the intervening period, serious damage had been done to the government's image and media consumers had formed their own opinion on the government's actions.

In the United States, successive Presidents since John F. Kennedy have turned media management into a fine art. An entire industry of spin doctors thrives and is growing with every passing year. Barack Obama's successful presidential run in 2008 is often credited to deft handling of mass media and the ability to communicate a message of hope, which resonated with users across all media platforms - TV, print, radio and online.

Rattled by a series of PR disasters, the government has now formulated a Group of Ministers on the media, whose job is to communicate the government's viewpoint to the people in real time. But in comparison with Anna's message which seems earnest, the government's spokespersons often come across as being condescending, confrontational and arrogant.

At every stage, Anna has shown that he is three steps ahead of the government. When it became clear that the government would arrest Anna Hazare on Tuesday morning, Team Anna recorded a message for the people of India. Government sources dismissed this tactic as being inspired by slain terrorist Osama bin Laden, but the video message helped Anna generate sympathy even amongst fence sitters who did not support his campaign before this. The recording also had a graphic plate with the names of people who would lead the movement in Anna's absence - a key mass communication strategy to ensure that people know whose voice to listen to.

In an era when 24-hour TV is a reality that cannot be wished away, Team Anna has shown how even with limited resources, mass media can be channelised to amplify the  message. The government, despite the innumerable resources at its command, still comes across as confused and chooses to blame the media for creating the Anna phenomenon. A classic case of confusing the message with the messenger. No wonder Anna is winning and the government is bound in shackles.

"A thinktank brings Anna the eyeballs"

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