Lokpal can be constitutional authority,minus govt interference: Anna

To a query,the anti-corruption crusader wondered why some people opposed the inclusion of Prime Minister in the ambit of the proposed Lokpal Bill. “If the Prime Minister is included,it will raise the status of the institution of Lokpal. If one

is clean,why should he be afraid of such inclusion?”

Hazare,who was in Pune in connection with a court case involving former Maharashtra minister Suresh Jain,said the Lokpal should have a wide jurisdiction,including over the lower bureaucracy,so that it could offer relief to the common man harassed by corrupt officials.

Hazare said he would undertake a one-day protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on December 11,as the Standing Committee on Lokpal Bill had not considered all his demands.

He also claimed that fifty per cent of MPs had conveyed their support to the Jan Lokpal Bill during talks with his associates.

“While most political parties are supporting our Bill,the Trinamool Congress and BSP have not made their stand clear so far,” he said.

Hazare reiterated he would launch a fresh fast at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi on December 27,if the government failed to get the Lokpal Bill passed in the winter session of the Parliament.

Asked to comment on the NCP workers’ protest in Delhi condemning his reaction to the assault on Union Agriculture Minister and NCP chief Sharad Pawar last month,Hazare said,”Those who shouted slogans against me at the samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi had no moral standing.”

Hazare’s instant reaction on learning about attack on Pawar (‘just one slap?) had caused the activist great embarrassment,forcing him to issue a clarification.