Social activist Anna Hazare on Wednesday appeared to have relented on bringing Prime Minister within the purview of the Lokpal, saying one had to accept what Parliament decided on the matter.
However, he said other issues such as inclusion of the lower bureaucracy and citizen's charters under the Lokpal were promised by Parliament in a resolution.
“[The Standing Committee decision] to leave it [inclusion of the Prime Minister] to Parliament was right. We have to accept what Parliament says [on the issue],” he told journalists here.
Mr. Hazare was responding to queries on the Standing Committee recommending three options and leaving it to the “good sense” of Parliament the issue of inclusion of the Prime Minister.
He said he would campaign in five poll-bound States telling people that the UPA government had neither intention nor honesty in tackling corruption and “so don't vote for them.”
Demands passage of Bill
Demanding the passage of a strong Lokpal Bill in the ongoing session, he said the session should be extended if “there is no time” for bringing the law. “If there is less time, then extend the session. Constitution allows you to extend the session. If you have the will, you can do anything and you can pass it now. If you have the will, then what is the problem.”
He said: “They were telling us to honour Parliament. The same Parliament has passed a resolution. Why are you not honouring it? Why do you want it [lower bureaucracy] to leave it to States?”
