New Delhi, Aug 27 (ANI): Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Arun Jaitley on Saturday supported the major demands made by civil society activist Anna Hazare, but said that the appointment of the Lokayukta for the states must not be made by the central government, but by the state governments.
Addressing the Rajya Sabha on the Lokpal issue, Jaitley said: "The appointment of the Lokayukta must not be made by the Centre, but by the states. The Centre should not be seen as interfering in the appointment of the Lokayukta in the states.
"Lokpal or Lokayukta is supposed to examine evidence when a complaint comes of misconduct by public servant or minister. People who have a fair mind require an assessment of evidence. Anyone brought in with a motive or, whose judicial or quasi-judicial abilities are suspect, cannot do that," he added.
Emphasizing that our democracy is on trial, Jaitley said: "There is a movement going on in our country which has given us a clear message: people are no longer willing to accept the present status quo - that corruption in many areas has almost become a way of life."
"People in higher positions have a tendency to get away...there are cover-ups...where accountability norms are not very high and the average man has to confront corruption as a way of life," he added.
Highlighting that in any mature society, there should be a role for civil society, Jaitley said: "Their role is to be a campaigner, a flag-bearer. They try to compel decision-makers to come around to their view."
"We can choose to agree or not. Laws cannot be made anywhere except in Parliament. So, we can give them the right to raise pressure, but must not be provoked by them. We should not engineer a confrontation between civil society and Parliament, or, between Indian society and Parliament," he added.
Earlier, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee appealed to Anna Hazare to end his fast, which entered its 12th day today.
He also appealed to the House to hold a dispassionate debate over the issue within the constitutional framework and come up with a solution to be handed over to Anna Hazare.
"In view of the appeal made by the Prime Minister, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj and the Honourable Speaker on August 25, 2011, I request Anna Hazare to break his fast," said Pranab in an opening statement.
Pranab added, "PM hopes that the present impasse over Lokpal would end soon and he plans to write to Anna again."
In his statement, Mukherjee appealed to the Lok Sabha to consider three main views so that they can arrive at a consensus, which will reflect sense of the House.
He said, "House should consider whether jurisdiction of the Lokpal should cover all central government employees. It should also deliberate over whether Lokpal will be applicable through the institution of the Lokayukt in all states. Finally the house should also consider whether Lokpal should have the power to punish those who violate 'grievance redressal mechanism'."
Appealing for an objective discussion over the issue within the constitutional framework, Pranab said the issue needs to be resolved at the earliest so that Anna Hazare can take a view over the same.
After giving a comprehensive statement over the developments that have taken place over the past few issues, Pranab added, "The issues raised by Anna Hazare are important and they deserve serious considerations. Incase consensus emerges at the end of the discussion, the Standing Committee will take into account the practicality, implementability and constitutionality of the same."
"We are at a crossroad. An agitation is on and all of us want this to end. At the same time all of us have to abide to the constitution and uphold the constitution. We have to make sure a broad consensus is arrived at within the framework of the constitution and I hope that the issue is resolved soon," added the minister.
Leaving the floor open for discussion, he said, "Let us have a dispassionate debate. This is one of the rare occasions of this House where the proceedings is drawing attention of the entire national and perhaps even outside the nation. The largest national functional democracy of the world is at a crucial stage. Let us hence find out a solution without compromising Parliamentary supremacy."
Following this statement from the finance minister, Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar provided an initial time of 7 hours for the debate.
Ahead of the debate on Lokpal issue in Parliament, fasting Anna Hazare today broke his silence of nearly 38 hours and addressed his supporters declaring that he will continue his protest till his last breath for a strong anti-corruption law. Amid mounting worries over the 74-year-old Gandhian's health, Hazare said he could fast for another "three-four days" and "nothing will happen to him".
Hazare, who did not address his supporters since 8 pm on August 25, emerged on the dais at around 10 am to a loud cheer from supporters who raised slogans of 'Bharat Mata ki Jai', 'Vande Mataram' and 'Inquilab Zindabad'.
"I am not doing this for my personal gain. If it was so, I would not have lasted five days. Till Jan Lokpal Bill is passed, my protest will continue," the Gandhian told his supporters at Ramlila Maidan where he is sitting on a fast. (ANI)
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