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Friday 16 September 2011

Nation could have been spared trauma inflicted by Anna Hazare's agitation: Kapil Sibal


NEW DELHI: HRD Minister Kapil Sibal, a key government negotiator on the Lokpal issue, today said the nation could have been spared the "trauma inflicted by Anna Hazare's agitation" if his team had given up some of its demands earlier.

Sibal was the main negotiator for the government in its talks with the leaders of the anti-corruption movement led by the Gandhian but had to take a back seat following allegations of mishandling of the movement.

"The nation could have been spared the trauma inflicted by the Lokpal agitation had Team Anna given up some of its demands earlier," Sibal said in an interview to Rajya Sabha TV.

Breaking his silence after facing severe criticism for alleged mishandling of the anti-corruption movement, he said "There was no need for any abuse or conflict."

"Team Anna had dropped its demand that judiciary, entire bureaucracy and the conduct of MPs inside the House should come under the proposed Lokpal," Sibal said adding "they also softened the stand that state anti-corruption bodies should be covered under the legislation during the course of the negotiations."

Sibal said from the entire Lokpal episode he had learnt the lesson that he would not become the spokesperson of any group in future.

On the government's stand on the issue, he said it maintained a dignified silence despite being called cheats, liars and betrayers by the Team Anna.

"We never retaliated," he said. Dimissing charges of being arrogant, he said, "Arrogance is far removed from me. You can't call me arrogant when I am stating what I believe in with conviction."

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