New Delhi, August 22: As Anna Hazare’s fast continues, sources say the Government has roped in spiritual guru Bhayyu Maharaj and top Maharashtra bureaucrat UC Sarangi for back-channel talks with Team Anna. But there were no signs of compromise yet as Hazare’s fast entered Day 7 on Monday.
Spiritual guru Bhayyu Maharaj said he’ll attempt for an open debate on the Lokpal Bill.
“Both sides want a solution. But there needs to be start, which is unfortunately getting delayed. I want both the government and Team Anna to come together for a strong Lokpal bill. Open debate should take place on contentious issue and talks should be transparent and in public domain. Anna’s arrest was a mistake,” said Bhayyu Maharaj.
Sources also said that the Government has asked for four months to discuss and pass the Lokpal BIll, but Team Anna has refused that offer.
Anna Hazare on Sunday warned the Government that either they will have to pass the Jan Lokpal Bill or else they will have to go.
Anna said, “If Jan Lokpal is not passed by August 30, we will do a big protest which everyone will remember.”
“The government has betrayed me at every step. Now, they have only one option – either pass the Jan Lokpal Bill or go,” he said while addressing his supporters at Ramlila Maidan.
Anna said his version of the Lokpal Bill was made with five others taking people’s opinion into consideration. He added that he warned the government about staging protests with regard to the bill, but they government did not pay attention.
“The government is not serious about fighting corruption. I warned them of protests, but they did not listen to me. That is why I have taken up this protest and will continue till the Jan Lokpal Bill is not passed,” Anna said.
He said that going to jail was not a curse but a blessing for him, adding that if he had a blot on his character, like some people say, then his crusade would have been crushed long back.
“I have no blot on my character, if I had one these people would have crushed me long back,” said Anna.
Anna’s close aid, Arvind Kejriwal also joined him by saying that the government has looted the tax payer’s money and they should be answerable for this.
Every Indian, be it poor, pays taxes. It’s our money and these people have looted our money. They should be answerable,” Kejriwal said.
Meanwhile, BJP leader LK Advani has hit out at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh saying he should quit and hold fresh elections, as he has lost confidence of the electorate.
–Agencies–