Puducherry, Aug 21: Accusing Anna Hazare of trying to create “a crisis” with the support of various “internal forces”, Minister of State for the PMO V Narayanasamy today asked him to call off his fast and present his views on the Lokpal Bill before the Parliamentary Standing committee.
“Hazare is unfortunately trying to create a crisis for the government with the support of various internal forces,” he told reporters here.
Charging Hazare with ‘seeking publicity' through his agitation which has entered sixth day today, he said these ‘forces will, however, be exposed in course of time'.
Hazare had gone on fast although the UPA Government had initiated measures to combat corruption and had brought in the Lokpal Bill which had since been referred to Parliamentary Standing Committee, he said.
Narayanasamy said the Prime Minister had made it clear that the Lokpal Bill needed consensus and the government was in favour of a strong and effective Lokpal.
“In the backdrop of this commitment on the part of the Prime Minister, Hazare should call off his fast,” he said.
Since the bill was before Parliament, it alone could debate the provisions and make any change, he said.
Hazare could place before the Parliamentary panel his suggestions and views on the provisions the Lokpal bill should have. If necessary, Hazare could also meet leaders of all political parties, Narayanasamy said.
Replying to a question, he said there could be no deadline for the passage of the Lokpal bill as it had become the property of Parliament. PTI
