Expressing his anguish over “smear” campaign launched against civil society leadership, social activist Anna Hazare on Monday wrote a letter to Congress president Sonia Gandhi complaining her that “corrupt forces” are trying to derail the process of drafting an effective Lokpal bill.
Mr Hazare, who has spearheaded the anti-graft agitation earlier this month, in a two-page letter made veiled references to AICC general secretary Digvijay Singh, who has of late attacked him for his conduct, and to HRD minister Kapil Sibal. He also asked Mrs Gandhi to advise her “colleagues” to desist from derailing the process of drafting of the anti-graft law.
Meanwhile, Mr Hazare in a separate statement issued later this evening backtracked from his Sunday remarks, as he said, his August 15 deadline remained there.
Reacting to media reports, he said that the deadline for preparation of the draft bill remains June 30, immediately after which it should be presented in the Monsoon Session of Parliament. “Even the government has admitted that it is realistic for Parliament to deliberate and take a decision on the bill by the August 15 deadline set by me. Thus failure of this deadline will invite mass protests by the people,” he insisted.
On Sunday while interacting with Marathi journalists here, Mr Hazare appeared to be flexible on the August 15 deadline saying he was open to extending it if he found that the government was on the right path.