Rejecting the belief that Lokpal alone would eradicate corruption, Rahul said Anna was beginning ‘dangerous precedent’
He warned “individual dictates, no matter how well-intentioned, must not weaken the democratic process.
A tactical incursion, divorced from the machinery of an elected government that seeks to undo the checks and balances created to protect the supremacy of Parliament sets a dangerous precedent for a democracy.
“Today, the proposed law is against corruption. Tomorrow, the target may be something less universally heralded. It may attack the plurality of our society and democracy.”
Rahul Gandhi proposed to make Lokpal a constitutional body accountable to parliament like the election commission of India.
Breaking his silence in Lok Sabha, he said a political will and a comprehensive framework would be required to fight the menace and suggested a “game changing idea” of creating a Constitutional institution of Lokpal like the Election Commission accountable to Parliament.
Referring to the anti-corruption campaign of Hazare, he said it has “helped the people to articulate” their disillusionment and “I thank him for that”.
Gandhi’s speech was disrupted by NDA members, protesting against his making a statement on the issue during Zero Hour.
This triggered heated exchanges with Congress members shouting back. Speaker Meira Kumar ruled that she had allowed Gandhi to speak, after which he continued his speech.
Sister Priyanka was in the visitors’ gallery when Rahul was making speech in Lok Sabha.