Patna: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) general secretary Tariq Anwar on Saturday termed Gandhian social worker Anna Hazare’s demand for bringing the Prime Minister’s post under the purview of Lokpal as ”childish” and suggested him to keep faith in democracy.
Anwar told media persons here that the threat of Anna Hazare to sit on fast-unto-death for bringing the Prime Minister under the purview of Lokpal was nothing but a ”childish” behaviour without being aware of its serious repercussion.
” The Prime Minister’s post is highly hounourable and as head of the government, he is required to discharge responsibility having lasting effect on policy and interests of the country, ” the NCP leader said and added that any attempt to lower the dignity of the Prime Minister’s office should be avoided.
Anwar said what would happen if Lokpal would become corrupt or anyone operating through Lokpal might try to blackmail the government.
It was not the question of any individual but it was the issue of the post, which was envisaged as head of the government in the Constitution, he said adding Anna Hazare was not aware of serious repercussion about what he was demanding for.
“It could be termed as childish and Anna Hazare should keep faith in democracy and elected institutions, ” the NCP leader said and added that it was strange to note that some self-proclaimed social crusaders had no faith in either PM or Chief Justice of Supreme Court.
Anwar lamented that Anna Hazare by issuing the threat to sit on fast-unto-death dharna was trying to balckmail the government.
“Today it is Anna Hazare, tomorrow someone else could adopt similar modus operandi to balckmail the government. A nation could not be allowed to run in this manner, ” the NCP leader said and suggested Anna Hazare to give up such ”childish” demand.
When asked about Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar making similar demand, Mr Anwar said he should first bring the Chief Minister’s post under the purview of Lokayukta. Kumar had not gone through the draft Lokpal Bill approved by the Union Cabinet, the NCP leader said and added that his stand would change once he carefully studied the draft. (PTI)