Foundation is laid but don't expect a miracle: Santosh Hegde

Bangalore, Aug 28 (PTI) Team Anna member N Santosh Hegde
Sunday saluted Parliament for rising to the occasion and
giving its nod to key elements of Jan Lokpal bill, but
cautioned that people should "not expect a miracle" as
enacting the legislation will "take its own time".
He was also against exerting "more pressure" on
Parliament on the issue now.
"I am sure they (Parliament) will understand the
necessity for quick enactment because that will bring glory
for them (Parliamentarians) also," the former Supreme Court
Judge, who was part of the joint Lokpal bill(anti-corruption
ombudsman bill) drafting panel, said.
"We have achieved the first milestone in having a strong
Lokpal Act and it may take its own time -- it's not something
you can expect today, tomorrow or next month," he said,
adding, "Let not the people of India expect a miracle. But we
have just put the foundation for a strong Lokpal bill."
He said what Parliament has done for the people of India
"at least in this regard...may be because of Anna's efforts..
is something great.
"I thank each one of them. Parliament has risen to the
occasion. We do share a part of the victory with Parliament",
Hegde, who till recently served as south Indian state
Karnataka Lokayukta(state anti-corruption ombudsman), said.
He said the agitation for a strong and effective Lokpal,
spearheaded by Hazare has achieved a lot. "It's a victory for
the people of India. Anna has achieved for the people of
India."
Hegde said the government should continue to respect
the feelings of the people.

With hurdles cleared for a strong and effective anti-
corruption law, Hegde said the focus should now be on issues
of electoral and police reforms and black-money besides
implementation of certain reports, including that on illegal
mining that he submitted to the Karnataka Government last
month when he was the Lokayukta.
While it's important to keep the momentum going, he felt
the tempo may not be the same as one witnessed for Jan
Lokpal bill.
"But the momentum indicating the awareness of the people
should be there."