Lokpal would have averted Rafale scam: Anna Hazare

Anna Hazare.

The social activist Anna Hazare, who is set to go on an indefinite fast from January 30, believes that the Rafale scam could have been averted if a Lokpal had been in place to guard against corruption. Talking to Frontline, the anti-graft crusader came down heavily on the Narendra Modi government and accused it of trying to steer the country towards dictatorship. Hazare, who has joined hands with farmers' organisations, was also critical of the Centre for doing little to alleviate farmers’ grievances.

“If a Lokpal had been appointed, the Rafale scam would not have taken place. This underlines the pressing need for instituting a checks-and-balances mechanism in our system. It is evident that Anil Ambani’s company, which was set up just few days before the government announced the deal, was shown preference [in the allocation of a multi-crore offset contract], overlooking its obvious lack of experience. A Lokpal would have taken care of the public interest in the case and the scam would have been averted,” Hazare said.

He confirmed media reports that he had written 32 letters to the Prime Minister on the Lokpal issue, and added that he had not received any response to the queries he had raised. “It is unfortunate. The government assured me in writing in March 2018 that a Lokpal would be appointed soon, but there has been no movement on the same,” he said.

Asked if he had taken his Lokpal struggle to any of the opposition leaders, especially those who are trying to create a prospective third front, Hazare said he doubted their sincerity in the matter. “No political party wants a Lokpal. The Lokpal Bill was introduced in the Parliament eight times since 1966. It is only due to their apathetic attitude that we are left struggling for it even in 2019,” he said.

Hazare accused the Modi government of undermining the apex court. “The Supreme Court reprimanded the government over the delay in appointing a Lokpal, yet this government is not bothered. This is reflective of their authoritarian ways and their attempts to turn India into a dictatorship. This government does not pay heed to the recommendations made by constitutional bodies. Even the Administrative Reforms Commission had recommended the appointment of a Lokpal without delay,” Hazare asserted.

Hazare has joined hands with the Rashtriya Kisan Mahasangh, led by Shivkumar Sharma alias Kakkaji. Together they are planning nationwide protests to press for the twin demands of a Lokpal and the implementation of the recommendations of the M.S. Swaminathan-chaired National Commission on Farmers.

The Rashtriya Kisan Mahasangh, an umbrella body of various farmers’ outfits, has been in news for organising farmers’ strikes and marches across the country in the past three years. Their demands include 1.5 times prices for agricultural produce above the cost of production and a one-time complete loan waiver.