BJP backs Hazare's decision to go on fast on Lokpal issue

BJP today backed Anna Hazare's decision to go on fast next month if the governmnet fails to pass the Lokpal Bill in this Parliament session, saying it stands firmly behind him for a strong anti-graft watchdog.

BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussein told PTI that his party has alrteady made its stand clear on the Lokpal issue and wants an effective and strong ombudsman.

"The BJP made its stand clear on Lokpal issue through its Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj and her Rajya Sabha counterpart Arun Jaitley. Our party president Nitin Gadkari has also clearly said that the Lokpal bill should be passed in this session. We are committed to the issue," Hussein said.

He said it was the Congress which has not categorically spoken on the issue and seems to be dragging its feet on it.

"If the government fails to pass the bill and Hazare decides to go on a fast, it his democratic roght to do so. Nobody has the right to challenge this. We will support him in his fight for a strong Lokpal," he said.

Hazare has announced that he will go on a fast at Ramlila ground from December 27 to January 5 if the governmnet fails to pass the Lokpal Bill.