BJP appeals to Hazare,asks govt not to make a ‘prestige issue’

The principal Opposition demanded the Centre convene an all-party meeting to discuss the 'Jan Lokpal Bill' issue.

Appealing to social activist Anna Hazare to end his fast over the Lokpal Bill,the BJP today asked the government to incorporate necessary changes in the proposed anti-corruption legislation so that it is more effective,and “not make it a prestige issue”.

“The Lokpal Bill should become an effective and credible instrument for fighting corruption among bureaucrats and those in power… The entire country is today waiting for effective action against the cancer of corruption. The wish of the people should be respected,” BJP spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad said.

The principal Opposition demanded the Centre convene an all-party meeting to discuss the ‘Jan Lokpal Bill’ issue.

Story continues below this ad

The BJP asked Hazare,who began his fast-unto-death at Jantar Mantar here today demanding the enactment of the ‘Jan Lokpal Bill’ to give wider powers to Ombudsman,to call off his agitation. “Anna Hazare is a respected leader. We appeal to him to end his fast,” Prasad said.

“The Lokpal Bill has to be credible. Many good suggestions can be incorporated. The government should not make it a prestige issue,” Prasad said.

The BJP also demanded the sacking of Goa Education Minister Antonio Mosseratto who was detained at the Mumbai international airport last week for allegedly possessing USD 2.50 lakh.

“Mosseratto was taking abroad USD 2.50 Lakh which is around Rs 1 Crore. This is in complete violation of law. We ask the Congress government to remove him from the ministry and he should be arrested,” Prasad said.

Story continues below this ad

The state education minister was detained for 18 hours before being released.

BJP national secretary Arti Mehra has written a letter to Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee in this regard.

Asked about reports claiming that Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar had travelled with DB Realty Managing Director Shahid Usman Balwa,who was arrested in the 2G spectrum case,in the latter’s plane to Dubai,Prasad said,”This is a serious matter.

The Prime Minister should clarify. But whenever he is asked to clarify his stand on corruption,the Prime Minister goes silent.”