Congress lauds Anna Hazare for arousing nation's conscience

By accepting Hazare's main demands, party reiterates its resolve to fight graft

Within 24 hours of the United Progressive Alliance government bowing to the three main demands of Anna Hazare and Parliament passing a unanimous resolution on the same, the Congress complimented the social activist for arousing the conscience of the nation through his crusade against corruption.

A meeting of the election manifesto committee of the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee held here on Sunday noted that by accepting the three main demands of Mr. Hazare, the Congress “had reiterated its resolve to fight graft.” The meeting was presided over by the Union Law Minister, Salman Khursheed, who is the chairman of the poll manifesto ( for the 2012 State Assembly elections ) committee of the U.P. Congress.

Mr. Khursheed was one of the main interlocutors in the talks between the Centre and members of Team Anna and played a significant role in breaking the logjam over the Jan Lokpal Bill.

After the meeting, Mr. Khursheed told reporters that a positive result and a step in the right direction was achieved under the guidance of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Mr. Khursheed admitted the process was time consuming, and added that the government wanted that it should be a win-win situation for all. He said the resolution would be sent to the Standing Committee of Parliament.

On controversy over Swami Agnivesh, who was said to have distanced himself from Mr. Hazare and his team members, Mr. Khursheed said Swami Agnivesh wanted a solution on the Jan Lokpal Bill.

A release issued by the U.P. Congress said election manifesto panel meeting lauded the Prime Minister, Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukerjee and Mr. Khursheed for their talks with the members of the civil society. The meeting complimented the Congress general secretary, Rahul Gandhi, for views during the House debate on the Lokpal.

Manifesto committee members present suggested to Mr. Khurshid that sub-committees should be formed for different sections and issues, and the recommendations of the sub-panel incorporated in the poll manifesto.

The next meeting of the UPCC poll manifesto panel will be held in New Delhi on September 17.

Sunday's meeting was attended by the U.P. Congress president, Rita Bahuguna Joshi, Congress Legislature Party leader Pramod Tiwari and the Chairman of National SC, ST Commission, P.L. Punia and other leaders. Mr. Khursheed and others were present in the Roza Iftar hosted by the U.P. Congress.