VARANASI: Anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare on Saturday got support from and unlikely quarter. Union minister Sriprakash Jaiswal said "the Congress was thankful to Anna for creating a favourable atmosphere for the introduction of strict Lokpal bill in the country".
During a brief chat with media persons at Cultural Complex, Chowkaghat, on Saturday, Jaiswal said: "Congress wanted to introduce a strict Lokpal bill for a long time. But, the atmosphere was not favourable for it. We are running an alliance government at the Centre which has its limitation. And, in our democratic structure, the role of states is also very important. We welcome Anna's movement which has paved the way for such a Lokpal bill which would be stricter than proposed Jan Lokpal Bill."
The atmosphere created by Anna's movement in the country had strengthened the campaign launched by Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi against corruption. He said during his speech in Parliament, Rahul Gandhi showed a courage that could not be shown by any other politician. He said he (Rahul Gandhi) had hinted towards constitution of a commission that would have constitutional powers to implement the provisions of Lokpal once the bill was passed in Parliament. Otherwise, he said, the Lokpal would also become ineffective like many other commissions.
Regarding capital punishment to the assassins of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, he said the judiciary would do its work whether it is the case of Rajiv Gandhi assassination or the case of terrorist Afzal Guru. He said in a democratic structure, the states and assemblies had their own rights to pass any proposal.
Jaiswal was here to take part in the birth anniversary function of Pt Kamlapati Tripathi organised at the Cultural Complex.
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