RAHUL Gandhi, widely-seen as India’s prime minister-in-waiting, warned today that India’s democracy was under threat from a popular anti-corruption campaign spearheaded by fasting activist Anna Hazare.
In a combative address to India’s parliament, Gandhi – the scion of India’s Nehru-Gandhi political dynasty – praised Hazare’s ideals but vehemently challenged his hunger-striking tactics.
“Individuals have brought our country great gains. They have galvanised people in the cause for freedom, however we must not let them lead the democratic process,” Gandhi said.
“A process divorced from the machinery of an elected government, that seeks to undo checks and balances created to protect the supremacy of parliament, sets a dangerous precedent for our democracy.”
It was Gandhi’s first public statement on an issue that has snowballed into a full-blown crisis for the government, with huge protests across India in support of Hazare’s campaign.
The 74-year-old activist says he will fast until parliament adopts and passes his own version of a new anti-corruption bill that would create the post of a national ombudsman to monitor senior politicians and bureaucrats.
In his speech, Gandhi said he had “serious doubts” about the idea that a single piece of legislation would eradicate the corruption that permeates all levels of Indian society.
“We cannot wish away corruption,” he said.
The timing and tone of Gandhi’s intervention was significant.
In recent days, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, who sat beside Gandhi as he spoke, has sought to reach out to Hazare with a series of conciliatory gestures aimed at bringing the hunger strike to an end.
A deal seemed to be at hand when Dr Singh secured parliament’s agreement to open a debate today on the activist’s demands.
However, the move hit an immediate obstacle when Hazare refused to give a written undertaking that he would end his fast – now in its 11th day – as soon as the debate began.
Hazare’s campaign leaders said he would only call off his protest when parliament actually adopted – rather than merely discussed – a resolution containing his core proposals for the “Lokpal” (Ombudsman) Bill.
Hazare, who has only drunk water since August 16, has lost around 6.5 kilos (14 pounds). Although he has appeared energetic and alert when addressing supporters, doctors say they are concerned over his blood pressure and weight loss.
He has refused to be hospitalised and rejected advice to begin taking intravenous fluids.
The veteran activist is staging his protest in a large open-air venue in Delhi where huge, flag-waving crowds have gathered each day to show their support.
