India’s next parliament session will focus on passing a controversial anti-corruption bill, overshadowing calls for a renewed push on economic reforms seen as urgent as growth slows and inflation stays stubbornly high. The legislation to create an ombudsman’s office, or Lokpal, to investigate and prosecute suspected government corruption is seen as crucial for the government of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as parliament reconvenes for a month-long session on Tuesday.
If the bill is delayed or watered-down, the Congress party-led coalition risks renewed national protests organized by the legislation’s architect, social activist Anna Hazare, who led a hunger strike in August to protest a string of corruption scandals in the past year. “The prime minister has assured us of a strong Lokpal bill and we sincerely hope that we get it in this session,” said Arvind Kejriwal, an aide to Hazare, on Friday.
It better be. But castrate Anna Hazare at the same time who wants to stand taller than the constitution.
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