Wednesday, December 28, 2011

The Lokpal Debate

Politics may be dirty, but it's definitely intriguing! See what's happening on the Lokpal Bill... the way the politicians are playing Anna, the way the politicians are playing this amazing battle of wits...

The government, which enjoys a simple majority in the Lok Sabha, got the Lokpal Bill passed, but couldn't get it Constitutional Status, which requires 2/3rd majority. This gives the government (read Congress) a way to say, hey, we did all we could, it's the BJP which spoilt the party by refusing to give it support...

Tomorrow, the bill goes to the Rajya Sabha, where it gets really interesting! And really puts the BJP in a spot... if they reject the bill, it's clear that the BJP was against the bill and "not serious" about fighting corruption. On the other hand, if they support the government and pass the bill...

On the other hand, the BJP is talking about rejecting the bill because it's not strong enough. Other parties are fighting for various amendments... from quotas in the Lokpal to whether the CBI should be in or out, whether the PM should be in or out...

And meanwhile, Anna is fighting a lonely battle at the MMRDA ground in Mumbai... sidelined, and ignored, a victim of his team's misguided intentions, and a missed chance to build on the awesome support his anti-graft movement had garnered.

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