New Delhi: Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi has warned that Lokpal could "one day become a tool in the hands of corporate houses to blackmail the political leadership".
In an interview with IANS, Ravi said business houses keep "complaining that nothing is moving."
"Many things are moving for the poor. NREGA is moving, now food security for millions will be ensured. The poor have no complaints. The complaints come from the rich, the corporate houses."
"One day, the Lokpal may become a tool in the hands of corporate houses to blackmail the political leadership. I have very strong views on this."
"I am against corruption. And we have nothing to hide... Our life is an open book," he said.
The minister added, "Today, corporate houses have become a big force. In Nehru's time they were not a big force. They are trying to become members of Parliament, they are trying to dominate the economy."
Asked about the specifics of his charge, Ravi said, "We have freedom of speech in Parliament. Suppose a corporate house doesn't like an attack made on it in Parliament, they can easily get people to lodge a complaint against us. Where is our freedom? See, MPs have the right to speak and criticise."
Referring to his political position on the Lokpal, Ravi said: "Whether it is one rupee, a thousand rupees or one crore, corruption is corruption. Any government will have the Lokpal. We support it. But people like me are very cautious about it."
The minister's comments came ahead of Anna Hazare's three-day fast to begin in Mumbai Tuesday in support of what he says should be an effective Lokpal to check cancerous corruption.
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