Jan Lokpal Bill: Lokpal debate in Lok Sabha on Saturday, but no voting

NEW DELHI: The stand-off between government and Anna Hazare on Friday showed no signs of resolution, with Parliament failing to meet the Gandhian's key demand for a discussion on Jan Lokpal Bill as major political parties sparred on how it should be debated.

The Lok Sabha, which was to discuss Jan Lokpal Bill and other civil society drafts, was caught in a political war between the Congress and BJP on procedural issues and now the matter is expected to come up on Saturday in a different form.

Differences cropped up in Team Anna over the 74-year-old Gandhian continuing his fast as his health caused considerable worry to his doctors.

But he refused to end his 11-day hunger strike demanding in a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that Parliament pass a resolution, accepting three of his key demands -- setting up Lokayuktas in States, covering entire bureaucracy and citizens charter.

Finance minister Pranab Mukherjee, who ruled out replacing the official Lokpal Bill, is now expected to make a statement in Lok Sabha on Saturday which will form the basis for a discussion.

However, earlier in the day, opposition members gave notices for a discussion on the Lokpal issue under a Rule that entails voting while Congress members wanted it under a Rule that does not provide for voting.

Opposition BJP foiled the ruling side's attempt to get it discussed without voting that made the government to change its strategy to go for a debate in a different form.

Team Anna, which was expecting a Parliamentary vote on Friday, reacted sharply, saying that he would end his fast only if three of demands are conceded or at least Jan Lokpal Bill be tabled in Parliament.