Kiran Bedi banks on Sonia Gandhi, Sushma Swaraj for strong Lokpal, other reforms

BHOPAL: Team Anna member Kiran Bedi today said if UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj "wish", the country can get an effective Lokpal see radical reforms to ensure decriminalisation of politics.

"I have read the views of Gandhi and Swaraj on issues of corruption, constitution of special courts, electoral reforms and criminalisation of politics. Both are in favour of reforming the system," she told reporters here.

The former IPS officer said if the two "powerful leaders wish", they can push their respective parties to support these reforms.

Bedi said she came across the views of Gandhi and Swaraj on key issues while preparing for a lecture.

"They are like mother to this country. Is this country not their child? They can give us electoral reforms, free politics from criminals, free the country from corruption, make the CBI independent and bring an effective Jan Lokpal."

Bedi said women occupying responsible positions have the potential to change the system. "If they do so, then there will not be any need for a movement like this (Hazare-led campaign against graft)."

She rued that when the Lokpal Bill was tabled in Parliament, the two leaders' views were different from what they had been saying on the issue outside the House.

Bedi was here for an India Against Corruption event. On the occasion, she launched an 'Anna Card'. The card, costing Rs 25 each, allows an individual to get himself/herself registered with India Against Corruption and get all information about the Hazare-led movement through SMSes.