New Delhi: Call it a political masterstroke or an intent to be different, Bharatiya Janata Party’s Pilibhit MP Varun Gandhi’s decision to present the Jan Lokpal Bill as a private member’s bill in the Parliament even surprised his party. The young Gandhi scion is ready with an explanation as to why the Jan Lokpal bill should be discussed in the Parliament.
Agreeing that the Jan Lokpal draft is “not a perfect piece of legislation”, Gandhi said, “It is a defining moment in Indian political history. Years from now when we look back we are going to judge ourselves as to what we did on this day.” It may be mentioned that the BJP is not impressed by their MP’s step.
BJP MP Varun Gandhi. Reuters
Saying that he wanted to use his powers as a member of Parliament, Gandhi mentioned that he did not view the current situation as a tussle between the government and Anna Hazare but as a silent revolution.
“This is a major point of course correction,” he said. With millions taking to the streets, this issue is “beyond the ambit of politics and politicians”, and it is advisable to follow the nation’s pulse.
Not afraid of a possible rejection in the Parliament, the Pilibhit MP said the prime minister being the head of executive should be within the ambit of the Lokpal.
“Should we wait another 20 years for a perfect piece of legislation?” he asked. Time would answer that.
He further tweeted that he was disappointed the bill was not introduced in the Parliament today. “The JanLokpal wasn’t listed in Parliament today. Was disappointed,but it’s not really a surprise. However, will list it again for next week.”