Jan Lokpal campaign trying to 'dictate' terms to Parliament: Aruna Roy

KOCHI: National Advisory Council member Aruna Roy today said the Jan Lokpal Bill campaign against corruption was an attempt by Team Anna to "dictate" terms to Parliament, which she described as an "organised attack" on those who express dissent.

"We can only persuade Parliament, not dictate terms to it," Roy, who leads the National Campaign for Peoples Right to Information (NCPRI), told reporters here.

"We agree people want change. What has disturbed us greatly in the whole Ramlila mobilisation is they (Team Anna) are saying only their Jan lokpal should be accepted. There is an intolerance of dissent on their part. We cannot say you don't have the right to dissent," she said.

Roy said, "We see an organised attack on those who express dissent."

The bill does not address corruption as a whole as it leaves out this malady in politics, party, corporate and religious institutions, she said.

She termed as completely unnecessary, the breach of privilege notice of Parliament against some key Team Anna members. "We think in the present climate, we must reduce this. Action can be taken against then under IPC," she said.

NCPRI convenor Nikhil Dey said they were not against Prime Minister being brought under the ambit of Jan Lokpal bill. "The Prime Minister should be included with certain conditions," Dey said.

He said the Judicial Accountability and Standards Bill currently before Parliament must ensure that judiciary is also made effectively and appropriately accountable without compromising its independence.