Janlokpal: Bhushan meets Hazare in Ralegan Siddhi, explains ‘flaws’ in Bill

The recently introduced anti-corruption bill is the latest flash point between AAP and former party leaders such as Bhushan and Yogendra Yadav. The party had expelled both Bhushan and Yadav in April for “anti-party” activities.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has described the bill as “the strongest anti-corruption bill in independent India”, while other AAP leaders have termed it “historic” and “best”. Bhushan and other critics, however, have dubbed it “maha jokepal”. Lawyer-activist Bhushan was a part of Hazare’s anti-corruption movement along with Kejriwal.

Hazare had made two suggestions about the bill during his meeting with Vishwas and Singh. Later, Kejriwal had said the suggestions would be incorporated in the bill.

After meeting Hazare, Bhushan said he had come to explain the main “flaws” of the bill. “The clause which allows the Delhi Lokpal the power to investigate charges of corruption against central government employees will lead to an impasse. We explained to Anna how this is wrong and he said he would write to the Delhi government about the same.”

Bhushan added he requested Hazare to ask for reinstatement of the original draft of the bill from 2014. During his first stint as Chief Minister, Kejriwal had resigned after his bid to table the bill was “foiled” by the Congress and the BJP.

Bhushan said Hazare agreed to look into the “flaws” of the bill. Hazare said he would try to work out a consensus over the bill by talking to all members of the erstwhile team which had fought for the anti-corruption bill. Sources close to Hazare said he was yet to read both the bills in totality. “Once Anna has read both the bills, he would make a decision,” said a close aide of the activist.