Backroom negotiations between Govt, Hazare on

New Delhi, Aug 22: Backroom negotiations between the government and activist Anna Hazare continued today (Aug 22) amid indication of little movement so far.

Maharashtra Additional Chief Secretary U C Sarangi met Hazare today - his third meeting with the activist since Saturday evening - but sources said no fresh proposal was made to team Hazare which is insisting on passage of its Jan Lokpal Bill by August 30.

Sarangi, who reached Delhi on Saturday evening to talk to Hazare, also met HRD Minister Kapil Sibal briefly.

Kiran Bedi, one of the leading members of Team Anna, quoted Hazare as saying, "let the government come forward to discuss the Jan Lokpal Bill. Let the PM send his representatives."

She also ruled out that any negotiations were on between the two groups. "(Talk of) any negotiations are rumours," Bedi tweeted.

Spiritual leader Baiyyuji Maharaj, who has emerged as a mediator, today said the government was trying "really hard" to find a solution.

The Indore-based Maharaj, who is known to several top politicians from Maharashtra, said the crux of the dialogue is how much concession each side was ready for.

"I can tell you the government is trying really hard. I am not supporting or favouring anybody but intentions of both sides are very clear...," he said when asked about his role in mediation process.

PTI