Anna Hazare remark shows BJP bereft of leadership: Congress

Congress today utilised Nitin Gadkari's remark that BJP was ready to march under Anna Hazare's leadership to project that the Opposition party was bereft of any leadership.

"Congress party has not believed that it will be led by other leaders than its leadership. We have a proud 125 years of leadership, which is fully capable and has requisite capacity on dealing with any situation," party spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi told reporters.

He preceded the remarks by saying how the rank and file of BJP has viewed their party President's remarks is something that needs to be watched.

The Congress reaction came a day after Gadkari in Nagpur yesterday congratulated Anna Hazare for his successful agitation and assured him that the party would continue to extend support to his fight to make India corruption-free.

Gadkari assured Hazare of the BJP's continued support, saying the party will stand solidly behind him in his "selfless endeavour to transform the society".

"We promise you that the BJP will always be ready to rally around you and march forward under your leadership should the need arise any time in future to fulfill your dream of a truly democratic corruption-free India," Gadkari said.

The Congress spokesperson also attacked the Opposition party over the Narendra Modi government in Gujarat challenging the appointment of Lokayukta by the Governor there.

"It's a very interesting commentary on the hypocrisy and double standards of BJP on the issue of Lokayukta," he said.

Singhvi added that the country was watching with interest the remarkable "last minute zeal to support all versions of a Lokpal bill preaching of a high order and practice in the next to your backyard is a no Lokayukta functioning for eight years".