Anna Hazare & Govt want talk on corruption, Lokpal bill

New Delhi, Apr 7: Indians are now exhausted with scams and corruption in the country and wants to put an end to it. Taking the first step, social-activist Anna Hazare took on with his "fast-unto-death" which has entered the third day on Thursday, Apr 7. Now, both the government and Hazare expressed their wish to hold a constructive dialogue.

Citing the nation-wide support to Hazare, telecom minister Kapil Sibal on Wednesday, Apr 6 stated, "The government was ready for a constructive dialogue on the issue. His (Mr Hazare's) demand is fair… we also want the Lokpal Bill with teeth. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi are also committed to this cause."

However, in his open letter to the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Hazare criticised the PM over his inaction. "You have said that the Government has initiated certain processes. Some of the people drafting the legislation should have been in jail. Should I have faith in these processes? If you were in my place, would you still have faith in these processes," Hazare asked the PM.

Hazare also wrote in the latter, "Unhappy that instead of solving the issue of corruption, Government is more bothered about speculating on our movement. I have heard that people have said that I have been cornered into fasting. This is an insult to my intelligence and wisdom. I have exercised my restraint. We have eight versions of the Lokpal Bill. You (the Prime Minister) haven't passed the weak version. Please do not mislead the nation, by telling that we are not ready to talk."

Meanwhile, citing criticism from Hazare and his followers, agriculture minister Sharad Pawar resigned from Group of Ministers (GoM) on corruption led by finance minister Pranab Mukherjee.

Now, the nation will watch how the government, with Hazare, will come up with solutions to tackle corruption in India.

OneIndia News