The Lokpal bill is meant for fighting corruption and hence the appointment of the nine-member body should be aimed at finding the right candidates for the job. Quota in this appointment was a political gambit aimed more at shifting the focus of the parliamentarians from legislating an effective anti-corruption mechanism to a debate on minority politics. That is exactly what happened during the first day’s debate in Lok Sabha. Emotions ran high with a sharp polarization of political parties on constitutional validity or otherwise of religion-based reservation.

Moreover, reservation is about affirmative action to undo historical injustices by way of better education and employment opportunities. Appointment of the Lokpal members addresses neither. Instead, it provokes and promotes a divisive politics on religious lines.

Do you think the government was right in bringing reservation, especially on religion-line, to the appointment of the Lokpal at the instance of some stray demands? Do you think this will help in fighting corruption in any way?