City bodies in anti-Hazare mode

A group of non-political organisations here comprising Dalit activists, thinkers, academicians have joined hands together to oppose Anna Hazare and his group’s agitation, terming it against the spirit of the Constitution.

They have decided to checkmate Team Anna by sitting on a dharna from December 25-29 near the historic Chaitya Bhoomi — where the architect of Indian Constitution Babasaheb Ambedkar was cremated.

In a scathing attack, members gathered under the banner of the National Campaign for Equal Opportunities, have strongly critised Anna Hazare and his team for disrespecting the Constitution, parliament, the executive and the judiciary.

They said Team Anna was not the only civil society and opposed its version of the Jan Lok Pal Bill. Members are observing a dharna to present their views before Mumbaikars. The organisers have invited Mahatma Gandhi’s great grandson Tushar Gandhi to participate in the dharna. Tushar had in the past criticised Anna saying his methods were “not Gandhian” as they were becoming a “mere ritual”.

Dalit Panther leader Namdeo Dhasal came down heavily on Anna and his team for spearheading the agitation questioning the supremacy of Parliament. “Anna or his team are not the elected representatives of the people and their rigid views should not be entertained as they are undermining Parliament’s supremacy. It is the Parliament which is mandated for passage of legislations and 543 members be given a chance to hold debates.” Dhasal said the government has presented a revised Lok Pal Bill. “Let the debate take place.”

He attacked Team Anna for simply rejecting the government Bill without waiting for the outcome of the debate. He also criticised Team Anna for its “my way or no way” attitude.

Dhasal made it clear that corruption was a major issue but Team Anna’s agitation was not the way to fight it.

Vivek Korde, who was at the forefront to take out “Save Constitution” morcha in August in Mumbai, lambasted Team Anna for not focussing on crucial issues pertaining to Dalits, tribals and inequality. “Team Anna was able to continue its agitation based on corporate fund and support from several non-government organisation. They want to alter the present nature of Constitution which should be opposed by one and all,” he added.

Sunil Kadam, senior member of the National Campaign for Equal Opportunities, said, “Team Anna’s Jan Lok Pal Bill should be scrapped as it wants to create yet another set up of bureaucracy. It will further lead to anarchy in the country,” he added.