Not so fast: Govt to Anna
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On the eve of his three-day fast in Mumbai to protest a “weak” Lokpal Bill, self-styled Gandhian Anna Hazare received RSS support on Monday.
“The government has been constantly changing its position on Lokpal Bill. This is mainly due to Annaji’s agitation. RSS supports anyone who fights corruption,” said senior leader Manmohan Vaidya.
As expected, rejecting the government move to table Lokpal Bill and its appeal to “wait for the outcome of the debate [in Parliament on Tuesday]”, Mr Hazare will go ahead with his fast. He had earlier said he might defer the fast if the government tabled the Bill.
Team Anna also told supporters to prepare for a jail bharo from December 31.
Meanwhile, Congress described the Mumbai agitation as “obstructionist tactics”. Finance minister Pranab Mukherjee said in Kolkata it was for Parliament to decide the “final shape” of the Bill.
Lokpal Bill is listed for an eight-hour-long debate Tuesday along with Constitution Amendment Bill to give stature status to Lokpal and lokayuktas. Mr Mukherjee is likely to reply to the discussion.
Battle lines
are drawn
# Hazare to go ahead with hunger strike
#Congress issued a three-line whip to members to be present in Parliament between December 27 and 29 when the Bill will be discussed and possibly passed
# BJP plans to move six amendments to the Bill, but appears wary of some allies, particularly Akalis
# BSP might oppose the Bill, while RJD is likely to support government
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