Post date: Aug 15, 2011 12:40:13 PM
India commemorates the 64th anniversary of its independence with corruption firmly in the spotlight.
INDIA-INDEPENDENCE DAY - India's prime minister joined his countrymen in New Delhi to mark the 64th anniversary of the nation's independence.
Amid the colour of the celebrations the groundswell of discontent over corruption scandals within his government is refusing to go away.
Manmohan Singh's seen his whole reform agenda overshadowed, investor confidence dented and parliament distracted by a string of recent scandals.
A high-profile campaigner called off a hunger strike after Singh's government agreed to launch moves to create an independent ombudsman.
A day after these celebrations the hunger strike is back on indefinitely after activists attacked the draft scheme as toothless.
Singh's used his independence day speech to defend his measures and decry the hunger strike campaign.
Manmohan Singh, Indian prime minister, saying (Hindi):
"We want a strong Ombudsman panel to prevent corruption in high places. We have recently introduced a bill in Parliament to achieve this. Now only Parliament can decide what type of legislation should be enacted. I am aware of the differences of opinion on some aspects of the Bill. Those who don't agree with this Bill can put forward their views to Parliament, political parties and even the press. But I also believe they should not resort to hunger strikes and fasts unto death."
Manmohan Singh's struggled to maintain regain the policy initiative after the corruption scandals emerged.
The recent series of scandals including violations of telecom licence grants that lost the nation 39 billion dollars in revenue are unprecedented.
In his independence day speech he said the controversies shouldn't bring into question India's progress.
His words are unlikely to stave off accusations from his critics that he's a lame duck.
Paul Chapman, Reuters