Two recent statements-one by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, justifying the police brutality against peaceful followers of Baba Ramdev at the Ramlila Maidan, past midnight on June 5, when they were sleeping, and another by his deputy Pranab Mukherjee, Finance Minister, made in Kolkata on June 12, in which he accused Anna Hazare, the leader of the anti-corruption movement, of "subverting democracy", are very ominous. Both unmistakably suggest the depth of insensitivity, illogicality and the Emergency-type misuse of power, to which they have fallen.
Take the case of the PM's assertion that he had no alternative but to order the police armed with lathis and teargas bullets to throw the sleeping elderly men, women and children out on the streets at that unearthly hour. Dr Singh did not explain how the assembled peaceful anti-corruption protestors were threatening his govt and the Capital's law and order. Baba Ramdev's camp was on for a couple of days in the June heat without any untoward incident. It is reported that an official paper was delivered to the Baba at 11.30pm, an hour or so before the police assault, indicating that most his demands against corruption and black money had been accepted. But without waiting for the yoga guru's response, the police action was launched, injuring scores of camp-dwellers. One lady in 50s continues to be in coma. Yet, the PM insists that he had no option but to resort to undemocratic, repressive and cruel operation against his peaceful citizens! Does it do any credit to his image as a man of integrity and high moral values? Has he not forfeited his right to remain in office? The irony is that a few days ago, he had sent four of his senior ministers, led by his deputy, Pranab Mukherjee, to receive the Baba at the airport and to negotiate with him.
Now, the same Mukherjee who is co-chairing the Joint Drafting Committee for the Lokpal Bill alongwith Anna Hazare and his men, is accusing the Gandhian of "subverting democracy". He and his govt had agreed with Hazare 's time-table for the passage of the anti-corruption bill without bothering to consult opposition parties in the Parliament. Now, in a sudden somersault, he declares that the Parliament is supreme and no one can dictate to it. Is it'nt a double-speak and double-act? Anna Hazare activists have rightly accused the Mukherjee talk as an indication of "elected Tanashahi"(autocracy).
Take the case of the PM's assertion that he had no alternative but to order the police armed with lathis and teargas bullets to throw the sleeping elderly men, women and children out on the streets at that unearthly hour. Dr Singh did not explain how the assembled peaceful anti-corruption protestors were threatening his govt and the Capital's law and order. Baba Ramdev's camp was on for a couple of days in the June heat without any untoward incident. It is reported that an official paper was delivered to the Baba at 11.30pm, an hour or so before the police assault, indicating that most his demands against corruption and black money had been accepted. But without waiting for the yoga guru's response, the police action was launched, injuring scores of camp-dwellers. One lady in 50s continues to be in coma. Yet, the PM insists that he had no option but to resort to undemocratic, repressive and cruel operation against his peaceful citizens! Does it do any credit to his image as a man of integrity and high moral values? Has he not forfeited his right to remain in office? The irony is that a few days ago, he had sent four of his senior ministers, led by his deputy, Pranab Mukherjee, to receive the Baba at the airport and to negotiate with him.
Now, the same Mukherjee who is co-chairing the Joint Drafting Committee for the Lokpal Bill alongwith Anna Hazare and his men, is accusing the Gandhian of "subverting democracy". He and his govt had agreed with Hazare 's time-table for the passage of the anti-corruption bill without bothering to consult opposition parties in the Parliament. Now, in a sudden somersault, he declares that the Parliament is supreme and no one can dictate to it. Is it'nt a double-speak and double-act? Anna Hazare activists have rightly accused the Mukherjee talk as an indication of "elected Tanashahi"(autocracy).
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