Anna Hazare thanks government, says he is happy with Lokpal bill

RALEGAN SIDDHI: Rubbishing Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal's contention that the Lokpal bill under consideration in Parliament was weak, Anna Hazare today said "if anyone feels there are shortcomings in the bill after it is passed, they should fast for it."

"I have read the provisions of the bill properly. If you (Kejriwal) think the bill has any shortcomings, fast for it," Hazare, whose fast for passage of Jan Lokpal Bill entered sixth day today, said while talking to reporters here.

The anti-graft crusader said several of his expectations from the legislation have been met and he expressed satisfaction over the bill which has been presented in the Rajya Sabha.

"Three issues for which we had campaigned in the past, including Citizen's Charter, are also being addressed," he said.

Asked about the differences between him and Kejriwal, Hazare said, "I don't wish to comment...Why should we quarrel?"

"The government's control over CBI has been removed in this bill. I saw 13 such points and told the government that I welcome this," Hazare said.

"That is why I thought that the bill is beneficial to the people and country," he added.

"I told the government that I am thankful for tabling the bill in Rajya Sabha. Bring it in both the Houses in this session itself. If needed, extend the tenure of Parliament," he said.

"However, I am confident that this need may not arise as people are saying that the bill would be the first thing to be taken up in Rajya Sabha tomorrow," he said.

Thanking major political parties, including Congress and BJP, for supporting the bill, Hazare said, a few are not supporting it. "So, if there is a ruckus while passage of the bill, pass the bill amid ruckus but pass it anyhow," he said.