The key portions of PMs speech on Independence Day with my comments in brackets at the appropriate places.
"With government facing attack over multiple scams, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday promised a strong Lokpal to end corruption in high places and asserted that hunger strikes will not help address the problem, in an apparent reference to Anna Hazare's agitation (Strong Lokpal? The current version floated by his Government in the Parliament is a joke on the nation - toothless and one that would ensure no one gets punished. Hunger strike has had the effect of the whole nation being made aware of this monster that is eating us and dragging us back to medieval times. The PM is in denial mode here)
Addressing the nation for the eighth consecutive year on the occasion of Independence Day, Singh said no government has a "magic wand" to deal with the problem of corruption which needs to be tackled on many fronts and asked all political parties to "stand shoulder to shoulder" in this fight. (Dear MMS - you dont have ANY wand to solve even the smallest problem, neither does your Super PM. Why should the other political parties stand shoulder to shoulder with you when your party has not shown any decency in discussing any issue of any importance with them for the past 7 years?)
A day before Hazare was to embark on an indefinite fast demanding a strong Lokpal, he made it clear that only Parliament can decide what type of Lokpal legislation can be enacted. "I am aware of the differences of opinion on some aspects of the bill. Those who don't agree with this bill can put forward their views to Parliament, political parties and even the press. However, I also believe they should not resort to hunger strikes and fasts-unto-death," Singh said. - (But the JanLokpal committee did put put forward their views in the joint panel. Instead of discussing the merits of their version, you took every opportunity to trash them and hounded them which ended in their hardening their stance. After that, will any decent person come forward to discuss anything with your government?)
Acknowledging that corruption is a big obstacle in national transformation, he said the menace should be discussed in a manner that should not create an atmosphere in which country's progress comes into question - (Note that he only mentions that corruption should be DISCUSSED, but did not promise any ACTION)
He also admitted that funds meant for welfare of common man end up in the pockets of government officials - (What about politicians? And we have been hearing this story about 85% of money meant for social sector getting diverted to many pockets since Rajiv Gandhis time. This UPA government has been in power for 7 years!! Have you taken a single step to solve this?)
Speaking from a bullet-proof enclosure amid rains, the Prime Minister touched on a variety of subjects including the sensitive land acquisition issue, naxalism, terrorism, economy and inflation. Unlike in the past, foreign policy issues found no mention in his 40-minute speech on the 65th Independence Day from the historic 17th century Mughal monument of Red Fort - (Even on an independence day, he has to speak from the shelter of a bullet proof enclosure!!! Independence also means that all of us should be able to walk free on the road without the fear of being attacked by terrorists. And that includes the PM)
It is not right to bring the judiciary under the ambit of Lokpal as this would go against the independence of the judiciary, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said. PM admitted that we do need a framework in which the judiciary becomes more accountable. "It is not appropriate to bring the judiciary under the ambit of Lokpal. We believe that any such provision would go against the independence of the judiciary. "It is with this aim that we have introduced the Judicial Accountability Bill in Parliament. I am confident this bill will be passed soon," he said - (We have enough bills and laws. The Government thinks mere passing of bills means the issue is resolved. They give a damn about implementation. And there in lies the failure of our nation. Judiciary, like politicians, live in denial mode. If they are not, then they would have taken action against the corrupt Ex Chief Justice Balakrishnan and Justice Dinakaran, long long ago. And they are only the tip of the iceberg)
And he definitely doesnt inspire us. What a shame!!!
