Singh told Parliament that the civil activist was trying to "impose" his version of Lokpal Bill and his "totally misconceived" path was fraught with "dangerous consequences" for parliamentary democracy.
With Anna Hazare's arrest creating a storm, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told Parliament that the civil activist was trying to "impose" his version of Lokpal Bill and his "totally misconceived" path was fraught with "dangerous consequences" for parliamentary democracy.
Amid an opposition onslaught over handling of Hazare issue, Singh defended the arrest of the activist and his six associates, saying it was undertaken because of apprehension of breach of peace although the government acknowledges the right of citizens to hold peaceful protests, permission for which can be given with "appropriate conditions".
Bowing to demands for a statement, Singh performed the "painful duty" of reporting to Parliament on events related to Hazare's arrest but his contention was rejected with opposition members accusing the government of being "arrogant" and "intolerant" and equating its "repressive" action with Emergency and British rule.
Making identical statements in both Houses, he said the government does not seek any "confrontation" with any section of the society but it has the "bounden duty" to maintain peace and tranquility" when some sections "deliberately challenge the authority of government and prerogative of Parliament."
Amid repeated jeers and chants of 'shame shame', he said, "Hazare may be inspired by high ideals in his campaign to set up a strong and effective Lokpal.
However, the path that he has chosen to impose his draft of a bill upon Parliament is totally misconceived and fraught with grave consequences for our Parliamentary democracy."
Replying to a debate that followed Singh's statement in Lok Sabha, Home Minister P Chidambaram insisted that the government had done no wrong in dealing with Hazare and made it clear that his version of Lokpal Bill was unacceptable.
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