The voice of the public should be heard

18.08.2011

I would want that the fast to not be prolonged and the government to quickly agree to the demands to revise and improve the Jan (peoples’) Lokpal Bill.

Tomorrow Annaji will reach Ramlila Maidan. The youth are busy making preparations for his stay there. I am confident that a resolution should be reached within two to three days and it will not be dragged on for too long. Some people (bureaucracy) question Annaji’s authority and role in the Lokpal bill. I would like to know how someone, who has become a Member of the Parliament (MP) with just eleven percent votes and is likely facing opposition from eighty percent of the people, expects to represent and lead those eighty percent opponents. As representatives of the people, at least stay in communication with the public. It is for the public that you went to the Parliament. At least stay informed of what the public wants.

Again and again Annaji has said, we the public are the maalik (boss), you are the sevak (attendant), and this is the truth. I reiterate that all sevaks should abandon hypocrisy, arrogance and egotism and listen to the publics’ voice with humility and carry it to the parliament. The voice of the public should be heard, not the voice of the High Command. The people complain that the Prime Minister and the Chief Ministers of our country have been bought over and there is hypocrisy all around; it is not possible for the public’s voice to reach out. This is not right! The message of the public should be conveyed and they should work in all honesty. I am thrilled to see so many youths around the country engaged in this revolution of driving corruption out of our country and restoring its pride. We don’t just need legislation to protect this country’s character; we need to bring in a fresh wave of morality. I am confident that the power of our youth will drive this country in a direction where we once again can say, ‘Bhaarat Mahaan hai’ (India is great!).

I recommend to the Government that it should appoint in its National Advisory Panel able, dedicated and insightful individuals such as our Santosh Hegde, Kiran Bedi, Medha Patkar and Justice Venkatchalaiah. We need a group of individuals with integrity who can advise the government correctly.

I do not believe that all government officials are corrupt. That is not true; there must be some honest individuals but their voice gets muffled under the command of one corrupt official. For the voice of the public to be heard, strict laws should not only be passed but implemented following proper training. It is our duty to uproot corruption at all levels. We have to resolve not to give even one paisa as bribe, whether our work gets done or not. Everyone should adopt this principle. We should paste stickers on the desks of all officials, “I do not accept bribe”. Let us see if they have the impudence to tear it off. We absolutely need the Jan Lokpal bill. Once again I congratulate you all and feel elated that India has awakened and the youth have taken on the responsibility of this country.

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