Gadkari expresses concern over Hazare's health

New Delhi, Aug 23: BJP today (Aug 23) expressed concern over Anna Hazare's deteriorating health and sought to put the blame for the continuing impasse on the "crass mishandling" of the Lokpal issue by the government even as it demanded inclusion of the Prime Minister and judiciary in the Bill.

"BJP expresses grave concern over the situation all over the country, which is a direct fallout of the deadlock between the government and the movement led by Anna Hazare.

"Due to crass mishandling on the part of the government not only Annaji's health is in jeopardy but annoyed people all over the country have become understandably very restive," party president Nitin Gadkari said in a statement.

He said Hazare's fast has entered the eighth day and the first priority should be to create a situation where he can end his fast.

Gadkari insisted that this deadlock had arisen due to the "inept UPA leadership". He described the Lokpal Bill as "totally worthless".

"BJP strongly reiterates that India needs a strong and independent Lokpal where the Prime Minister is also brought under its purview. Also, the appointment mechanism of Lokpal is independent, transparent, fair and impartial. BJP demands a strong mechanism ensuring transparent, independent and impartial judiciary as well," he said.

He maintained that due to the scams exposed in the last two years, this government has lost all credibility and has failed to win the confidence of civil society.

"The sooner this government acts on setting up a strong and effective Lokpal, the better for the entire nation. The government should no more take shelter in any alibi and respect the Constitutional mandate for transparent and accountable governance," Gadkari said.

PTI