Efforts are on to reach a breakthrough over Lokpal issue by people inside and outside the government. Restarting the dialogue process to break the deadlock on the contentious Lokpal issue, Team Anna on Wednesday met Union Law Minister Salman Khurshid. Team Anna members-RTI activist Arvind Kejriwal, former IPS office Kiran Bedi and noted lawyer Prashant Bhushan participated in the discussions held at the residence of Salman Khurshid in the national capital. Congress MP Sandeep Dikshit was also present. Emerging out of the meeting, Team Anna called it a positive discussion. They said, another round of talks will be held with the government after the all party meet convened by the Prime Minister late this afternoon. Team Anna had met Mr. Khurshid on Tuesday too in an effort to negotiate on the Lokpal issue. Team Anna last night also met Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has appointed Mr. Mukherjee to negotiate with Anna's team. According to team Anna, differences persisted mainly on three issues- bringing junior bureaucracy under the Jan Lokpal's ambit, establishment of Lokayuktas in all the states for state government employees and a citizen's charter in every department to decide on a time frame for completing a particular job. Even as dialogue is on between team Anna and the government to break the deadlock over an effective Lokpal Bill issue, the 74 year old Gandhian today said, he will continue his fast till all demands are met. He has entered day nine of his fast. Addressing his supporters Anna said at Ramlila Maidan that the intention of the Government is not clear on the issue. He demanded a written commitment from the government that it will pass the Jan Lokpal Bill. Mr. Hazare's health condition has been deteriorating and there were changes in his vital signs. Anna, has, however, refused to be put on a drip even after the doctors suggested him to be hospitalised.
News On AIR | August 24, 2011 2:03 PM
Talks continue between Govt, Team Anna on Jan Lok Pal Bill