New Delhi: The UPA found itself isolated on Sunday when Anna Hazare sat on a token fast at Jantar Mantar and virtually every opposition party used his platform to embarrass the Government.
The UPA is now eager to bring its constituents and the Opposition on board. Sources say that the Union Cabinet will be meeting on Tuesday to discuss the Lokpal issue. UPA constituents will be meeting as well. This ahead of an all-party meeting called by the Prime Minister on Wednesday.
Sources say that the government plans to include Group C bureaucrats and the Prime Minister but with riders under the Lokpal. Sources add that the Government plans to table the Lokpal Bill between December 19-22 in Parliament.
Union Law Minister Salman Khurshid has defended the government and said that if he and his party leaders are liars, they must be thrown out of the nation.
"Rahul Gandhi has told me that bring a strong Lokpal Bill. If we are liars, then throw us out of the nation," he said.
The Government is also planning to bring in legislative bills, including Judicial Accountability Bill, Citizen's Charter Bill and Food Security Bill.
The UPA will meet on Tuesday to discuss Lokpal and on Wednesday there will be an all-party meet over the issue.
The Congress and it's allies expectedly stayed away from the public debate at Jantar Mantar, saying it is Parliament that must discuss the Lokpal issue now. The government has also hit out at Anna, saying he had no business attacking Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi.
Anna Hazare on Sunday during his token fast for a strong Lokpal Bill attacked Manmohan Singh saying he no longer has any decision making powers and that he has turned into a mute spectator. Anna also blamed Rahul Gandhi for the Lokpal Bill draft finalised by Parliament Standing Committee.
"Why was the Prime Minister a mute spectator when people turned out in huge numbers at the Ramlila Ground." Anna asked during his fast.
Union Minister of State, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions and Prime Minister's Office, V Narayanasamy said, "Jantar Mantar is like a public meeting where people go and make a 'bhashan'. Ultimately the result will be zero, where in a place like Parliament, there will be a proper debate. Members of Parliament from various political parties will give their views and ultimately Parliament wisdom will decide the Lokpal Bill."
"Rahul Gandhi supported a strong Lokpal which Anna Hazare and company have been telling day in and day out. Unfortunately, they are blaming Rahul Gandhi for nothing," Narayanasamy said.
Meanwhile, Team Anna says that it will closely watch Parliament debates to see if the government and the Opposition are going to keep their promise.
"We will watch Parliament debates carefully, see what Opposition does. We have seen when Opposition is united, they win. And secondly, what ruling party does because they know they are losing out a lot," Team Anna member Kiran Bedi said.
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