Support Hazare, do not demonise politics: LSP chief

Lok Satta Party president Jayaprakash Narayan on Friday appealed to people not to demonize politics and politicians in the wake of the groundswell of support to social activist Anna Hazare’s indefinite fast seeking constitution of an independent and powerful Lok Pal.

In a media statement, Dr Narayan expressed confidence that the Union Government would bow to public opinion and bring forward strong legislation to curb corruption.

“Anna Hazare succeeded in galvanizing a large section of people who have remained indifferent to the day-to-day functioning of democracy, corruption, banality and decadence in public life,” he said.

The former IAS officer hoped that the Government would involve all stakeholders in the drafting of the law. “In fact, such a sensible and consensual approach marked the enactment of the Right to Information law,” he stated.

“People, however, should realize that that there are no quick fixes or a panacea for combating corruption, Dr Narayan continued.

“Strong legislation is no doubt necessary but not sufficient. Many people who pinned their hopes on the RTI Act transforming governance were disappointed, not because it was a bad law but because of their unrealistic expectations. Do not expect a piece of legislation or a novel institution to undo all the damage done to democracy over decades,” the LSP chief pointed out.

The former bureaucrat also warned people against vilifying politics, politicians and political institutions. “The crux of democracy lies in people’s mandate expressed through free and fair elections. Deriding politics amounts to deriding Mahama Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and Aung San Suu Kyi.  Many politicians including those in traditional parties are known for their integrity and commitment to the country. Dubbing people in politics as bad by definition and those outside as good is both fallacious and anti-democratic,” he stated. 

Dr Narayan said that it is time young people shed their cynicism and indifference, accepted the burden of leadership and took part in politics. The media, said the LSP chief, has played a fantastic role in promoting public awareness about corruption. It should continue to play a constructive role by becoming a platform between people and elected representatives and help create institutions with checks and balances to fight corruption and promote good governance.