Pranab Mukherjee late tonight rebutted the charges by Team Anna that he had told them the Gandhian's health was not Government's concern, saying the remarks were "distorted."
Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee late tonight rebutted the charges by Team Anna Hazare that he had told them the Gandhian's health was not Government's concern, saying the remarks were "distorted."
Mukherjee, while speaking to a national news channel, denied the charge by Team Anna there was a dramatic change in Government's "tone" at the latest round of talks with Team Anna members this evening compared to its approach on Tuesday.
"There is no question of we not being concerned. We are deeply concerned about Anna Hazare's health. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has appealed to Annaji to end the fast. The all party meeting has also made a similar appeal," Mukehrjee said.
Mukherjee was responding to charges by Team Anna member Arvind Kejriwal that he had told the three-member team of Hazare's reprsentatives at the talks that the Gandhian's health was their "problem" and not the concern of the government
"My remarks were distorted," he said.
Upset at the lack of progress, Hazare's three representatives -- Arvind Kejriwal, Prashant Bhushan and Kiran Bedi -- said after another round of talks with government interlocutors headed by Mukherjee that difference in government's attitude yesterday and today was like "day and night".
"There is no question of government changing its tone. We are ready for another round tomorrow," he added.
Asked whether he can give an assurance that Hazare, whose health has raised concerns, will not be evicted from Ramlila Maidan and hospitalised without his consent, Mukherjee said such an assurance should come from the Home Minister or Prime Minister.
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