If CBI was under Lokpal, PC would be in jail: Anna

PUNE: Anti-graft crusader Anna Hazare on Wednesday criticized the Centre’s move to ensure the Lokpal did not have control over the CBI, saying the government was “cheating” people to protect “corrupt” ministers .

“If CBIwasunder Lokpal , P Chidambaram would have been in jail today . If the CBI is kept out, how will the Lokpal bestrong ?Thisis a very weak bill. You (government ) are protecting corrupt ministers and saying it is a strong Lokpal ,” Hazare said . He was speaking to reporters atR alegan Siddhi a day after the Lokpal Bill was approved by the Cabinet .

Anna also slammed the government for keeping thecitizens’ charter out of the bill. “How can the bill be strong if the citizens’ charter is out of the Lokpal’s purview ? A common man who seeks redressal of his grievancewillhaveto go through a long channel — from theofficer atthelocallevel to the Union government . How can a common man run through this system if he wants to get a ration card or a passport ?” he said .

Hazare said he would visit five poll-bound states followed by a nationwide tour before the general elections . “I will tour the country to tell the people how the government has cheated them . They (government ) feel nobody can harm them . However , the people will teach them a lesson ,” he said . Hazare vowed to continue his agitation . He said he was “totally fit” to fight for a strong Lokpal .

Steep ground rent irks Team Anna

Maintaining that Rs 3.5 lakh per day rent for Mumbai’s MMRDA ground was too steep, Team Anna on Wednesday sought the state government’s intervention for lowering the amount and said they may move court if the issue is not settled amicably. “We have told the CM to inform us where to sit (on fast). We cannot pay such steep rent,” Team Anna said. “It has hurt us that for protesting in a democracy, we have to pay Rs 17 lakh for five days,” Team Anna said. PTI

Hegde: New Lokpal Bill unacceptable

Criticizing government’s move to keep CBI out of the Lokpal Bill, Team Anna member N Santosh Hegde said the step would reduce the anti-corruption watchdog to a mere complainant which is not acceptable. “If a complaint is given by the Lokpal, then that the CBI will probe. This means Lokpal has become an ordinary complainant which will go to CBI and lodge a complaint and CBI will then probe in the manner it likes. This is not acceptable,” Hegde said. PTI