Indian PM appeals to anti-graft activist to give up fast-unto-death plans

In a last ditch effort, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday appealed to noted anti-graft activist Anna Hazare to give up his plans to observe fast-unto-death from tomorrow against deep-rooted corruption in the country, and for a strong all-inclusive Lokpal (Ombudsman) Bill. In his traditional speech on the occasion of the Independence Day, the PM assured the countrymen that his Government was already working in the direction of drafting anti-corruption laws. "Government wants a strong Lokpal (Ombudsman), and those who don't agree with some aspects of a proposed legislation should not resort to hunger strikes," said the PM. "We want a strong Lokpal to prevent corruption in high places. We have recently introduced a Bill in Parliament to achieve this. Now, only Parliament can decide what type of Lokpal legislation should be enacted." While Anna Hazare had been clamouring for setting up a strong Lokpal (Ombudsman) who would investigate into the corruption complaints, including against the PM and the judiciary, the Government recently introduced a Lokpal Bill in the Parliament excluding the PM and the judiciary from its purview. "It is not appropriate to bring the judiciary under the ambit of Lokpal. We believe that any such provision would go against the independence of the judiciary," said the PM, but admitted that his Government needed a framework in which the judiciary became more accountable. Acknowledging the difference of opinion over Lokpal (Ombudsman), the PM said, "I am aware of the differences of opinion on some aspects of the bill. Those who don't agree with this bill can put forward their views to Parliament, political parties and even the press. However, I also believe that they should not resort to hunger strikes and fasts-unto-death."