MPs unite to hit back at Hazare

Under attack from Team Anna, angry parliamentarians cutting across party lines in Lok Sabha got united on Monday and charged the civil society group with disrespecting democratic institutions during Anna Hazare’s day-long fast at Jantar Mantar on Sunday. But Team Anna was quick to issue a riposte pointing out that parliamentarians have lost people’s faith and failed in their duty of upholding the rights of the citizens.

Unlike earlier times, when opposition parties seemed to be on Hazare’s side to put government on mat, a scathing attack was launched by leader of opposition and senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj who stated that by speaking against democratic institutions (Parliament), Team Anna were indirectly inviting dictatorship.

Swaraj wondered that while on one hand, Team Anna wants the Lokpal Bill to be cleared by Parliament and on the other, they are accusing MPs of being corrupt. She recounted that BJP and other opposition parties has supported Hazare and had even slammed government for a weak legislation.

Swaraj was supported by a visibly angry Sharad Yadav, Janata Dal (U) leader and NDA convenor, who slammed Team Anna of targeting him. Asking as to how many Team Anna members have gone to jail for raising public interest issues, Yadav said Hazare should have stopped his team from targeting parliament and using derogatory language against them. Interestingly, during Anna’s Sunday fast, clips of Yadav’s speech on Lokpal in Parliament was played on a large screen.

So as Team Anna was being blasted from opposition parties itself, who demanded a resolution against them for using derogatory language, Congress members were happily seen thumping desks in support. Congress MP Sanjay Nirupam stated that some ‘outside powers’ were trying to destabilise India’s system. Team Anna was, however, quick to hit back and said they are ready to face consequences.

Kejriwal said has those parties not insulted Parliament who gave ticket to MPs, with criminal records. “Is parliament not insulted when these people (Rajneeti Prasad) tear the Lokpal Bill. Is it not insulted when MPs throw chairs? Is it not insulted when MPs are bought? The same constitution, which has given them right to make laws, has given us right to protest,” said Kejriwal.