By IANS,
New Delhi: The Congress core committee met here Friday to discuss the current political situation and the deadlock in negotiations with civil society members on the proposed anti-corruption Lokpal bill.
Party sources said the meeting, which took place at the residence of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, also discussed the demand from Congress leaders in Telangana for a separate state.
The meeting looked at the stance of the government in the talks with Team Hazare on the Lokpal bill, the sources said. The two sides have accused each other of adopting a hardline approach in the talks.
Anna Hazare has said he will resume his fast for a strong Lokpal bill Aug 16. The government has already announced that it will come up with a draft bill by June 30 and if necessary send two versions for consideration of the cabinet. The joint drafting committee has decided to meet again next week.
Congress sources said the meeting also took stock of the government’s handling of the anti-corruption agitation by Baba Ramdev, who ended his nine-day fast in Haridwar Sunday.