Congress terms Anna Hazare's fast-unto-death as premature

Congress today termed the indefinite hunger strike by social activist Anna Hazare for a stronger Lokpal Bill as "premature", saying the government had already constituted a panel headed by defence minister AK Antony to look into the issue.

"The prime minister has already constitued a sub-committee headed by Antony... When the process was already on, then adopting such a path is perhaps not appropriate, probably unnecessary. We respect Hazare very much but the path he has adopted is premature," party spokesperson Manish Tewari told reporters.

Noting that the prime minister's office (PMO) has appropriately articulated its disappointment over Hazare's course of action, he said in a democracy, the government moves the bill and Parliament enacts it.

"And in between there is enough scope that if any constructive suggestion comes, amendments can be moved," he said requesting Hazare to heed the PMO's appeal and engage in a constructive discussion which could lead to enactment of a more comprehensive legislation.

He downplayed questions on National Advisory Council's reported rejection of the draft Lokpal Bill saying that in a democracy, differences always exist and a harmonious consensus is arrived at through healthy discussions.

Hazare today began a fast-unto-death in the capital demanding enactment of a comprehensive Jan Lokpal Bill to give wider powers to Ombudsman to check corruption.