Govt trying to stop Lokpal from becoming a reality: Team Anna

NEW DELHI: Anna Hazare's fast demanding a strong Lokpal entered the fifth day on Saturday saying that the government has been trying to delay the Lokpal Bill for decades. It sent a clear message to the government that the protest will not end till a strong Lokpal Bill is passed.

In a media interaction at the historic Ramlila Maidan from where Anna Hazare on Friday launched his protest fast, Team Anna took on the government for delaying the Lokpal Bill and accused the government from making the law a reality.

The 73-year-old Gandhian said, "They (government) have linked us to the US and now they will link our agitation to Pakistan."

Team Anna also dismissed reports that the movement has got any backing from any political parties or has links with any political parties like BJP, RSS. "Our protest is not political, it is against corruption" Team Anna said.

"Those who are saying the BJP and RSS are behind our agitation should be sent to a "mental hospital," Anna Hazare said. Team Anna also added that the government should stop wasting time in making false allegations.

Civil society member Prashant Bhushan questioned the government, "How long will the nation wait for the Lokpal Bill."

Hazare's close associate Arvind Kejriwal said they were ready to talk to the government but no such communication channels have been opened.

Accusing the government of using divisionary tactics, Team Anna said that it is not holding the government to ransom and added that everyone has the right to protest in this country.