On the eve of the self-styled Gandhian, Anna Hazare's Mumbai agitation, the RSS has come out openly in his support.
"Government has been constantly changing its position on the Bill. This is mainly because Annaji's agitation and relentless
pressure. RSS supports anyone, who fights against corruption," senior RSS leader, Manmohan Vaidya said when asked about the outfit's views on Hazare's three-day fast in Mumbai.
Earlier, RSS chief, Mohan Bhagwat had also come out in support of Hazare's 'fight against corruption'.
As expected rejecting government's move to table the Lokpal Bill on Tuesday and appeal to wait for the outcome of the debate, Hazare has decided to go ahead with three day fast in Mumbai starting from Tuesday. Hazare had earlier inidcated that he would defer his fast, if the government tabled the legislation.
The A-team has also told its supporters to prepare for 'jail bharo' agitation on December 31.
However, unfazed by Hazare's threats, the Congress described his Mumbai agitation as an 'obstructionist tactics'. Speaking in Kolkata, the finance minister, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee made it clear that it was for Parliament to decide the 'final shape of the Bill'.
Mr. Mukherjee is expected to reply to the eight -hour-long debate.
The Bill is listed for discussion along with the Constitutional amendment bill for giving Constitutional status to Lokpal and Lokayuktas.
The Whistleblowers Bill will also be taken up. The Congress has issued a a three-line whip to its members to be present in the House from 27-29 of this month.
The BJP and the Left intend to move amendments to the contentious legislation. .
Sources disclosed that the Hazare team, which is now rapidly losing sympathisers both in the political and civil society fronts over the issue 'feel that there was no option but to try and keep the agitation alive by every possible mean'.
In a desperate bid to justify his agitation before the outcome of the Bill, Hazare said that 'in spite of being asked not once but several times the government was not creating an anti-corruption law. Out of compulsion this movement had to be launched'.
However, the Parliamentary Affairs minister, Mr. Pawan Bansal on Tuesday appealed to all parties vote in favour of the Bill.
Mr. Bansal also said that the 'the process of law making is not a static exercise and as one gathers experience one can make changes later'.
Even as BJP intends to move six amendments, the saffron camp is reportedly wary of the NDA allies, particularly Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). Some BJP leaders feel that SAD might oppose the saffron amendments. As for UPA allies and supporting parties, while BSP indicated that it would oppose the Bill, RJD is likely to go with the govenrment.
Both Samajwadi party and Trinamool Congress are yet to clear their stand.
Amendments to be moved by BJP
Reservation to minorities
Clause in the bill stating "not less than 50 per cent" reservation to minorities
Inclusion of CBI investigation to be under Lokpal
Bringing Group C officials under the Lokpal ambit
Issue of Lokayuktas appointment (BJP claims it is against the federal structure of the Constitution)
Lokpal removal should not be under government's control
Amednments to be moved by Left
Independent investigative wing within the Lokpal
Inclusion of corporate graft related cases
Against making Lokayuktas for states mandatory under Lokpal bill
Selection and composition of Lokpal with a view to broad base the selection process
Widening of the definition of corruption to include willful grant of undue favours to persons and companies