New Delhi: The massive and spontaneous outpouring of support for Anna Hazare's crusade against corruption forced the government to sit up and take notice. (Read: Who is Anna Hazare?)
On the third day of Anna's hunger fast, the government reached out with an offer to set up an informal group, including activists and ministers. Shortly after the announcement, activists rejected the government's offer of an informal panel on the Lokpal Bill.
"I will not end the fast until government agrees to demands," said Anna Hazare.
Social activists Arvind Kejriwal and Swami Agnivesh met Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal this morning. "Talks going in positive, constructive direction. The government's attitude was very good, " said Swami Agnivesh after the meeting. The two sides are scheduled to meet again later today. ("We had constructive dialogue," says Sibal)
On the third day of Anna's hunger fast, the government reached out with an offer to set up an informal group, including activists and ministers. Shortly after the announcement, activists rejected the government's offer of an informal panel on the Lokpal Bill.
"I will not end the fast until government agrees to demands," said Anna Hazare.
Social activists Arvind Kejriwal and Swami Agnivesh met Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal this morning. "Talks going in positive, constructive direction. The government's attitude was very good, " said Swami Agnivesh after the meeting. The two sides are scheduled to meet again later today. ("We had constructive dialogue," says Sibal)
With lakhs of Indians throwing their weight behind him, social activist Anna Hazare said today "I think nothing will happen to me for another 7 days, don't worry God is with me and I will be fine," the soldier of many such battles said.
Mr Hazare has said his "fast-unto-death" will continue till the government agrees to introduce a tough new law to fight corruption, and includes civil society representatives to help draft the Jan Lokpal Bill (Citizen's Ombudsman Bill). Sources in the government have said the Prime Minister is likely to release a statement soon on the impasse with Mr Hazare and other social activists.(Read: What is Jan Lokpal Bill?| Why Anna Hazare opposes it)
The PM met Kapil Sibal this morning to discuss the issue. "We had a constructive dialogue on Hazare's demands," Sibal said after the meeting. Sources have told NDTV that the government is ready to set up an informal group including activists and ministers. However, it is not in favour of issuing a formal notification to set up the committee.
Both Mr Hazare and the government have said they're open to dialogue. Mr Hazare told NDTV on Wednesday night, "We are prepared, when have we said no to dialogue? The ones who have the power to make decisions, either Sonia Gandhi or the PM, should be part of the dialogue. ..We have a request, that if the Lokpal Bill is to be made, then have 50% of our people, 50% of yours, have a joint committee, and begin the drafting process." (Watch: Jaan, dil both belong to India says Hazare)
Various ministers from the government have said they respect Mr Hazare's mission, and that the government is committed to combating corruption among politicians and bureaucrats. However, they say that legislation is the business of Parliament alone, and allowing civil society to help draft this law would set a dangerous precedent.
Mr Hazare's call to action - he is asking Indians to join demonstrations in their cities or fast for as long as they can - has seen an emotional and enormous response. Since the fall of last year, a series of corruption scandals have left the government reeling and the country incensed.
The 72-year-old Gandhian who is fronting the Indian Against Corruption movement said today that he apologizes that politician Uma Bharti was heckled last evening when she tried to join him on stage at his base at Jantar Mantar in the Capital. He said while everyone is welcome to join the crowds, he will not let politicians try to manipulate the people's goodwill by posing as leaders of what he describes as India's second freedom struggle.
Mr Hazare and the social activists who support him have also questioned the government's wisdom in its choice of the Group of Ministers set up to fight corruption. After public criticism from Mr Hazare and others, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar quit the panel yesterday. "So what," said Mr Hazare, "if one Pawar goes...another will come."
Today, he echoed that sentiment, stressing, "Politicians have ruined the nation."
Mr Hazare has said his "fast-unto-death" will continue till the government agrees to introduce a tough new law to fight corruption, and includes civil society representatives to help draft the Jan Lokpal Bill (Citizen's Ombudsman Bill). Sources in the government have said the Prime Minister is likely to release a statement soon on the impasse with Mr Hazare and other social activists.(Read: What is Jan Lokpal Bill?| Why Anna Hazare opposes it)
The PM met Kapil Sibal this morning to discuss the issue. "We had a constructive dialogue on Hazare's demands," Sibal said after the meeting. Sources have told NDTV that the government is ready to set up an informal group including activists and ministers. However, it is not in favour of issuing a formal notification to set up the committee.
Both Mr Hazare and the government have said they're open to dialogue. Mr Hazare told NDTV on Wednesday night, "We are prepared, when have we said no to dialogue? The ones who have the power to make decisions, either Sonia Gandhi or the PM, should be part of the dialogue. ..We have a request, that if the Lokpal Bill is to be made, then have 50% of our people, 50% of yours, have a joint committee, and begin the drafting process." (Watch: Jaan, dil both belong to India says Hazare)
Various ministers from the government have said they respect Mr Hazare's mission, and that the government is committed to combating corruption among politicians and bureaucrats. However, they say that legislation is the business of Parliament alone, and allowing civil society to help draft this law would set a dangerous precedent.
Mr Hazare's call to action - he is asking Indians to join demonstrations in their cities or fast for as long as they can - has seen an emotional and enormous response. Since the fall of last year, a series of corruption scandals have left the government reeling and the country incensed.
The 72-year-old Gandhian who is fronting the Indian Against Corruption movement said today that he apologizes that politician Uma Bharti was heckled last evening when she tried to join him on stage at his base at Jantar Mantar in the Capital. He said while everyone is welcome to join the crowds, he will not let politicians try to manipulate the people's goodwill by posing as leaders of what he describes as India's second freedom struggle.
Mr Hazare and the social activists who support him have also questioned the government's wisdom in its choice of the Group of Ministers set up to fight corruption. After public criticism from Mr Hazare and others, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar quit the panel yesterday. "So what," said Mr Hazare, "if one Pawar goes...another will come."
Today, he echoed that sentiment, stressing, "Politicians have ruined the nation."
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