Kolkata, July 1 (IANS) Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee Friday accused the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) of attacking the constitution by supporting social activist Anna Hazare and yoga guru Baba Ramdev, who were ‘challenging democracy’ in the name of fighting corruption.
‘They (CPI-M) have been trying to destroy the constitution for long but were never successful. So now they have sought refuge from Anna Hazare and Ramdev. They are trying to gain political mileage from this. But they are not aware that the attack is not on the Congress but on the constitution and the democracy,’ said Mukherjee at a Congress meet in the city.
The finance minister also criticised Hazare and Ramdev and termed their fight as ‘challenging democracy’.
‘They are saying that if the government does not meet their demand they will fast. They want to legislate themselves instead of the lawmakers. They have also got support from political parties. I have seen such perverted mentality before.’
Hazare, with support from the civil society, has been demanding a stringent anti-corruption mechanism. His fast unto death made the government take notice of his demands. Following the path of Hazare, Ramdev also kept a fast against corruption.
Reiterating the government’s commitment towards recovery of black money from foreign banks, Mukherjee said: ‘Recovery of black money is important and we are committed towards it. For this purpose, treaties with countries are required. Unless and until we have the treaties the bank won’t divulge any information.’
He also informed that India presently has such treaties with 34 countries and important information is being received on the matter. ‘It is time consuming but we are progressing on the right way.’
Continuing his attack on the CPI-M, Mukherjee said: ‘Wiped out from everywhere except Tripura, the party is now rudderless. They seem to be perennially undergrown, at times walking by clutching on to the Congress and BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party).’
Congress general secretary in-charge of West Bengal Shakeel Ahmed also took pot shots at the CPI-M and said the party is now a ‘B Team’ of the BJP and added that their efforts to destabilise the central government will never fructify.
