Daijiworld Media Network—New Delhi (CN)
Mumbai, Jun 24 : For the second time in a week, union human resources development minister Kapil Sibal, who represents the government in the Lokpal Bill, slammed Anna Hazare, accusing him of trying to run a parallel government by demanding various clauses in the Bill ‘without accountability’.
Hazare rejected Sibal's allegation and is now seeking Advani's help to convince the political parties on the Lokpal Bill.
It can be recalled that Hazare has kept the political parties out of his movement, especially during the protest at 'Jantar Mantar'. Reaching out to politicians is necessary for Hazare now as the government team in the Lokpal Bill discussions is putting out new allegations everyday.
On the other hand, if Hazare reaches out to Advani it could be ammunition for the Congress to claim that hismovement is politically motivated and backed by the BJP.
During Baba Ramdev's fast, home minister Chidambaram publicly alleged that his movement was supported by the RSS.
Hazare’s move could prove vital for his future plans as his supporters might be divided on the basis of political parties.
It is not just Advani on Hazare’s agenda, but he wants to reach out to other important political parties. It will be interesting to see who he will interact with in the Congress party.
Hazare told a news agency on Friday June 24, "Civil society members including myself will meet chiefs and leaders of various parties and will also tour some states. I am at my village for a couple of days in connection with court work."
Maintaining that he was always open to discussions to remove the hurdles in the draft bill, Hazare said, “We demand that the same level of autonomy given to the Election Commission and Information Commissioner be given to the Lokpal who should also be given powers of inquiry. What stops you from empowering Lokpal with powers of investigation?"