Dalit front to give its draft on Lok Pal Bill

Dalit and minority groups across the country have come together to challenge the Jan Lok Pal Bill prepared by social activist Anna Hazare and team. A front led by former MP and Republican Party of India chief Ramdas Athavale will send its version of the anti-graft legislation to Parliament’s Standing Committee on law. The front, which includes former Union minister Ramvilas Paswan and Dalit Panther leader Namdeo Dhasal, has said it would press for the passage of Lok Pal Bill within the parameters of the parliamentary democracy.

The front, will embark on a rally in Parliament on November 30 and would press for appointing a member from the backward community on the Lok Pal selection committee.

The Front has opposed Hazare’s objection that elected representatives do not work. It has also criticised Team Anna’s demand for a right to recall, which means people will get the right to recall an elected representative before the completion of his/her term.

Arjun Dangle, a leader of the Front, told Business Standard: “It will be an effort to unite members of the Dalit community and minorities in the fight against corruption.

 

 

 

 

 

 

However, such a fight will have to be within the constitutional framework and within the parameters of the parliamentary democracy. If the democracy is further strengthened, the country will progress and the people in general will be benefited. We are against Team Anna’s Jan Lok Pal Bill and the Front will submit its version to the parliamentary standing committee.”