Sir — This refers to the report, “PM’s lokpal panel pick triggers row” (February 5). Compelled by Anna Hazare’s movement, the Congress-led UPA Government reluctantly brought in the lokpal Act. But now it wants to play mischief by trying to control the selection process.
This is evident in the manner in which it has insisted on noted lawyer, Mr PP Rao, to be a member on the selection panel, despite protests by leader of Opposition in the lok Sabha, Ms Sushma Swaraj. Mr Rao’s name was singled out — by the Prime Minister and supported by lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar — from a list of prominent jurists.
The Prime Minister conducted himself in exactly the same obstinate manner as he had done in the fateful appointment of Mr PJ Thomas as Chief Vigilance Commissioner, which was subsequently struck down by the Supreme Court, elaving the Government deeply embarrassed. Ms Swaraj would not have called Mr Rao a “Congress loyalist” without having sound reasons. Messrs Harish Salve, Fali Nariman and Soli Sorabjee were unquestionably better choices than Mr Rao.
The establishment must stop playing politics with the integrity of democratic institutions and trying to gain indirect control over them. It is still not too late for the Government to see reason.