By IANS,
New Delhi : Team Anna wants the government to send “responsible representative” for negotiations, social activist Arvind Kejriwal said Tuesday, denying reports that it would talk only to the prime minister or Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi.
“This news is wrong, we never said that we would only talk to the PM or Rahul Gandhi. We just want the government to send responsible representatives,” Kejriwal told reporters as Anna Hazare’s fast for a strong Lokpal bill entered its eighth day.
The impasse between the government and civil society must have a political solution and it was possible within 24 hours if there was intent, Kerjriwal told reporters at Ramlila Maidan where thousands continued to gather in support of Hazare and his anti-corruption campaigner.
“This is a political problem and it must have a political solution. If the government wants, it can find a solution in 24 hours,” he said.
“It is sad that still there has been no official communication from the government,” he added.
Kejriwal accused the government of trying to delay discussions on the bill by passing it from one committee to another and entangling it in technicalities.
“Either the government should introduce a new bill or amend the existing bill… Bills get passed in five minutes if there is determination,” said Kejriwal.
Hazare began his fast Aug 16 when he was taken to Tihar Jail and released the same day — but he refused to move out. He came out of the jail last Friday and continued his fast at the Ramlila Maidan.