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There are no dictators in democracy: Sibal

Last updated on: April 16, 2011 00:17 IST
Talking to mediapersons at a dinner hosted by him at his residence in New Delhi on Friday evening, Union Minister of Human Resource Kapil Sibal said that there are no dictators in democracy.

He was commenting on Anna Hazare's statement that the civil society representatives on Jan Lok Bill continue to dictate.

" I don't know what he has said, but let me tell you that there are no dictators in democracy," he said. He did not fail to point out that who would have the authority to appoint and suspend people holding key positions including cabinet ministers.

Besides involving chief justices of the apex court and high court along with another senior judges of the Supreme Court and high courts, three Magasaysay award winners including Arvind Kejriwal, Kiran Bedi noble prize winners would exercise these powers. 

He, however, refused to say anything about Anna's demand that each and every meeting of the drafting committee should be videotaped. "I do not want to get involved in it. Let us wait for Saturday's meeting," he said.

The minister made a few lighthearted comments on the video tape that was being telecast by all television channels. "Please see the video. Let's enjoy dinner for the time being," the minister chuckled.

He did not agree with the suggestion that he played a crucial role as interlocutor on the Lok Pal bill. "Meet me after the Lok Pal joint draft committee meeting," he said.

Onkar Singh in New Delhi