Author: Kunal Majumder
Publication: Tehelka
Date: July 2, 2011
URL: http://www.tehelka.com/story_main50.asp?filename=Ne020711incoldblood.asp
Introduction; BJP spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman
tells Kunal Majumder that the party will reveal its stand on Lokpal in Parliament
Q.: Why isn't the BJP taking a position on
the Lokpal Bill?
A.: When the government decided to engage with the civil society group represented
by Anna Hazare, they did not think it was necessary to invite the principal
opposition party. It was important for the government to take all political
parties on board. The government has not clearly stated its stand on the Lokpal
Bill either. I can understand the enthusiasm and curiosity to know what is
our party's stand. In all fairness, we will state our view in Parliament.
Q.: Isn't it hypocritical that on one hand,
you support movements led by Anna Hazare and Baba Ramdev and on the other,
you refuse to take a clear stand on the Lokpal Bill?
A.: No, the hypocrisy will be if we say we are supporting the fight against
corruption but we don't want a Lokpal Bill. We are not saying that. We think
the Lokpal Bill will be an important instrument through which corruption can
be fought. When we haven't been invited to have any role in drafting the Bill,
why is everybody thinking that we are behaving like a hypocrite? We are waiting
for the right time.
Q.: Civil society has taken the lead on corruption.
Isn't it the duty of the BJP as the principal opposition party to take such
initiatives?
A.: In Parliament, we have repeatedly raised questions on each and every scam
that has surfaced. We haven't forfeited our role as principal opposition party.
In fact, it was only our persistent pressure inside and outside Parliament
that has helped keep the awareness high. Today, Indian citizens are subconsciously
aware that corruption has become the biggest malaise in the country. People
are coming out as they feel it is not only the role of the opposition to address
these issues. They too have a role to play.
Q.: But the civil society's fight was more
successful than yours.
A.: When we raise issues in Parliament, you cannot expect a big crowd sitting
around us. Political parties do their activities through workers and they
do it in various states and regions through public meetings, rallies and demonstrations.
The civil society is doing a lot of talking, rasta rokos and other means to
draw public attention to issues. It looks as if it was the civil society that
raised the awareness and not the political parties. That is not true. Society
played a big role and the media too played its part. Political parties also
played their part. Corruption is corruption, whether taken up by the NGOs
or civil society groups, media or political parties.
Q.: Does civil society have a role to play
in framing legislation?
A.: In the Constitution, there are provisions at every stage to incorporate
outside opinion. It could be at a stage where a draft Bill is tabled and goes
to the standing committee. In this committee, civil society is given a chance
to give its inputs, whether individually or as a group. So the civil society's
role in influencing a Bill is already there. On the women's reservation Bill,
roadshows were held to draw public attention and the civil society gave its
views.
Q.: The BJP leadership is seen as more engaged
in resolving internal disputes, such as the latest spat over Gopinath Munde,
rather than challenging the government. Why?
A.: Show me a party that doesn't have internal troubles. The UPA has so much
to worry about. Why isn't the media showing similar kind of enthusiasm in
writing about them?
Q.: What will be your strategy for the monsoon
session?
A.: We will focus on corruption and black money and hope that the Lokpal Bill
is drafted and some consensus emerges. Hopefully, the Congress will come down
a bit from its arrogant position and engage with the political parties.
Kunal Majumder is a Correspondent with Tehelka.
kunal@tehelka.com
