Anna’s threats baffle Congress

The Congress does not find any reason behind Gandhian Anna Hazare issuing threats that he would resume fast-unto-death if Parliament does not pass the Lokpal Bill in the winter session.

“The best person to answer this question is Mr Hazare himself,” said party spokesperson Manish Tewari.

He said the Lokpal Bill was introduced in the previous session of parliament and is now before the standing committee.

“This committee is doing its work, and there is no reason to believe that there is any inordinate delay in its working,” he added.

Union information and broadcasting minister Ambika Soni also saw no justification for Hazare’s threat. The prime minister has committed himself to a strong Lokpal, the union ministers have said it, so why keep issuing such warnings,” she said.

Both the Congress party and the UPA government feel there is no reason for the Team Hazare to doubt the sincerity of the government and the entire Parliament on this issue.

“We do not want to comment on the reasons for their writing such letters or issuing threats, but we can say with confidence that we are committed to a strong Lokpal,” added Tewari.