Rahul Gandhi finally broke his silence on the Anna Hazare fast and thanked the fasting Gandhian for highlighting the issue of corruption through his campaign.
Speaking during the Zero Hour, amid strong protests from the Opposition benches, Rahul Gandhi said Hazare's campaign had helped people to articulate disillusionment.
However, while highlighting the role of Anna Hazare, Rahul indirectly disapproved of his fast.
He said, "individual dictates, no matter how well-intentioned, must not weaken the democratic process as it would set a dangerous precedent."
But the highlight of Rahul's speech was his idea to elevate the level of debate on corruption.
He said the need of the hour was not just a strong Lokpal but to go a step beyond and make Lokpal a constitutional body like the Election Commission.
Rahul said he did not agree with the view that one Lokpal Bill will end corruption.
Rahul said that corruption is all-pervasive and operates at every level and so a set of effective laws along with creation of an statutory institution will be required to fight the menace.
He said we cannot wish away corruption by the mere desire to see it removed from our lives.
Rahul called for a comprehensive framework of action and a concerted political programme supported by all levels.
He stressed the need for a firm political will to fight corruption.
Later talking to mediapersons, Rahul Gandhi claimed that his idea on making Lokpal a constitutional body was a game-changer.
Speaking during the Zero Hour, amid strong protests from the Opposition benches, Rahul Gandhi said Hazare's campaign had helped people to articulate disillusionment.
However, while highlighting the role of Anna Hazare, Rahul indirectly disapproved of his fast.
He said, "individual dictates, no matter how well-intentioned, must not weaken the democratic process as it would set a dangerous precedent."
But the highlight of Rahul's speech was his idea to elevate the level of debate on corruption.
He said the need of the hour was not just a strong Lokpal but to go a step beyond and make Lokpal a constitutional body like the Election Commission.
Rahul said he did not agree with the view that one Lokpal Bill will end corruption.
Rahul said that corruption is all-pervasive and operates at every level and so a set of effective laws along with creation of an statutory institution will be required to fight the menace.
He said we cannot wish away corruption by the mere desire to see it removed from our lives.
Rahul called for a comprehensive framework of action and a concerted political programme supported by all levels.
He stressed the need for a firm political will to fight corruption.
Later talking to mediapersons, Rahul Gandhi claimed that his idea on making Lokpal a constitutional body was a game-changer.
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