An open letter to Manmohan Singh

Dear Mr Manmohan Singh

I used to pride myself being in India - A scientist as President; an Economist as Prime Minister; Eminent Advocates as Ministers, Opposition Leaders and Speakers; many women as Chief Ministers and one woman holds a most powerful position in the country.... What else do we look for in a vibrant democracy?

Well.. Matters are not so rosy any more.  The Prime Minister is a troubled man these days.   The Scientist President has completed his term.  Women are as powerful as ever...  And this is a silver lining.

Anna Hazare... He is fast!  So quickly he has come into national reckoning.  Before Brand Anna fades out, acquire the brand....?!!!  NOW!!

Carve out a new Ministry - Anti Corruption Ministry.  Make Anna Hazare a Minister for Prevention of Corruption.  Place the Anti Corruption Wing of the CBI under the Minister.  And bring a Lok Pal too, covering Anna Hazare (and Prime Minister after he demits office). 

To stop Anna Hazare's fast, move the Supreme Court.  Ask Supreme Court to pass orders which the Government will abide by.  Ask for SC to consider the Government's position that parliamentary democracy can not be sacrificed in view of overwhelming support for an individual's fast.

Mr Manmohan Singh, address the country.  Declare that you are for ending corruption.  But your crusade will be in your own way.  You will direct the anti-corruption policy of your government.  Every one else can give suggestions but it will be your decision only.  However, declare also that you have moved the Supreme Court and that you will accept the Supreme Court Judgement in toto with all humility.  You will take all action based on the SC Judgement.

Mr Prime Minister..  You can hold the ball in your hand, if Anna Hazare accepts to be the Minister.  If he does not, accuse him of chickening out...If Supreme Court passes the order upholding your stand (my gut feeling is that the SC does not support superceding the Parliament or parliament processes), move Anna Hazare to the Hospital after declaring that whoever resists, will be responsible for Anna Hazare's life and they will be tried for murder.  Police Force should only lift him to hospital... no attrocities please.

You have now kicked the ball into the Supreme Court.  But you would have already scored the goal.

If SC upholds the stand and places you and higher judiciary under the Lok Pal's ambit, be graceful and make honest efforts to pass the Lok Pal Bill.  After all, it is not a bad idea to end corruption.

All the best, dear Prime Minister...