Anna Hazare writes to Manmohan Singh on Lokpal Bill impasse

New Delhi, Aug 26 (ANI): Union Science and Technology Minister and former Maharashtra chief ninister Vilasrao Deshmukh on Friday said Anna Hazare has written a letter to the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, over the Lokpal Bill issue.

"A return letter from Anna Hazare is on the way, we will get it immediately. He is addressing the letter to the Prime Minister. As soon as we receive the letter, we will submit it to the Prime Minister," Deshmukh told mediapersons here.

"Anna has said that if the three points are acceptable, he will end his fast. Let us hope for the best. Whatever Anna has said in the public yesterday and whatever he told me, he is sticking to that and has not taken any other step," he added, when asked about the three points put forward by Hazare to the Prime Minister.

Hazare, whose fast for a strong Lokpal Bill entered its eleventh day today, has in his letter written to the Prime Minister said that his fast is not for a personal motive and that he wants the resolution over the Lokpal Bill to be passed in the Parliament.

"I haven't gone on a fast for a personal motive. The only way to prevent corruption is through the three provisions of the Lokpal Bill. If my three demands are met, I am willing to give up my fast but will continue my protest till Lokpal Bill is passed," said Hazare.

Deshmukh further informed that he would meet Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee later in the day to decide on the future course of action over the Lokpal Bill impasse.

"I will meet Pranab Mukherjee and see exactly what we can do further. Of course, we are hopeful," he said.

Deshmukh had met Anna Hazare at the Ramlila Ground for around 20 minutes earlier on Thursday.

Hazare has placed three conditions before the government, which is inclusion of the lower bureaucracy in the Lokpal Bill, appoint Lokayuktas in all states and implement the of citizens charter for a time bound disposal of public grievances in government offices.

Hazare has been on fast since August 16, the day he was arrested and taken to Tihar Jail. He was released the same day, but he refused to leave Tihar Jail. He shifted to Ramlila Ground here on August 19 where he has been continuing with his fast. (ANI)