Corporations may target govt through Lokpal, warns Vayalar Ravi

Ahead of the consideration of the Lokpal Bill by Parliament, Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi on Monday warned that the anti-corruption ombudsman may become a tool for powerful corporations to get back at the political class and the government.

Claiming that corporate houses are not happy with the government as they are not benefiting from the policies of the UPA, Ravi said there are "sinister designs" to limit the powers of MPs and other elected representatives.

"That is why the talk of policy paralysis and other complaints. They feel they are not benefiting from the policies of the government...That is why there are efforts to limit the powers of MPs and other elected representatives," Ravi said.

"Who will benefit from Lokpal? Certainly the corporate houses. They have been very critical of the government as they feel nothing is moving for them. They are becoming very powerful and they may misuse Lokpal in future to get back at government. There is a sinister campaign in all this," he said.

Accusing social activist Anna Hazare of trying to undermine the supremacy of the Constitution, Ravi said he was running the campaign with "ulterior motives".

"This man is trying to dictate things with ulterior motives. He is trying to undermine the Constitution which is the highest document of the country. He is trying to weaken Parliament by making unreasonable demands. There is a way to do things," he said.