Alleging that veteran social activist Anna Hazare is acting on instructions from Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has said that his demand for Lokpal after three-and-a-half years of ‘deep slumber’ is nothing but a scripted drama.
In a recent letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi Mr. Hazare said that even six years after the “historic” anti-corruption movement in the country, the government has not drafted an effective law to curb corruption. “For years now, I have kept reminding the government of appointing a Lokpal in the centre, Lokayuktas in the state as well as on the welfare of farmers. But no action has been taken,” he said.
Mr. Hazare had said he would be visiting Delhi soon where details of the next agitation would be announced. The man who led the anti-corruption drive in the country during 2011 is also demanding implementation of the Swaminathan committee report on farmers’ welfare.
“Last time, with active support from RSS, he (Anna Hazare) launched his agitation. Even now, the same drama will be repeated,” said NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik.
Mr. Malik said that the case regarding the appointment of Lokpal is pending in Supreme Court, where the Centre has said that a Lokpal could not be appointed since the post of Leader of Opposition is presently vacant. “A verdict on this case is now expected and government will soon appoint the Lokpal. By launching his new agitation at the same time, Mr. Hazare is all set to grab the attention with active support from RSS. This written drama will soon be obvious to all of us,” said Mr. Malik.