August 17, 2011 2:02 PM

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It is bounden duty of govt to maintain peace, tranquility: PM

Asserting that Parliament is the sole authority to draft any legislation, the Prime Minister clarified that the government does not seek any confrontation with any section of the society on different shades of opinion.Making an identical statement in both the Houses on events following the arrest of social activist Anna Hazare and his associates, Dr Manmohan Singh made it clear it is the bounden duty of the government to maintain peace and tranquility.Defending Delhi Police, he said that it took the minimum steps necessary to maintain law and order situation in the national capital.Pointing to the series of events that led to the arrest of Team Anna, Dr Singh said the civil society members question the Constitutional principles and claim a right to impose their Jan Lok Pal Bill upon Parliament. He said the path Anna Hazare has chosen is totally misconceived and fraught with grave consequences for the parliamentary democracy. He made it clear the government has initiated many measures to fight corruption.On the events of Tuesday, Dr Singh said a functional democracy must allow multiple voices be heard. He, however, said differences of opinion must be resolved through dialogue and consensus.At the same time, the Prime Minister made it clear that the issue between the government and Team Anna is not one of different attitudes to fighting corruption.Referring to his Independence Day speech, he reminded Parliament that there is a need to deal effectively with corruption.Assuring that UPA is determined to provide a government which is transparent, accountable and responsive, the Prime Minister called upon the members across the spectrum to join hands to deal with the cancer of corruption.Stating that many forces would not like to see India realize its true place in the Comity of Nations as an emerging economy, Dr Singh sounded a word of caution that the economic progress of the country should not be allowed to be hijacked by internal dissension.The Prime Minister made a fervent appeal to the opposition parties to allow the smooth functioning of Parliament so that important legislations are passed for the benefit of Aam Aadmi.He also assured that the government is ready to cooperate with the opposition in every possible way.

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