BJP urges Manmohan to rethink stance on Anna

The BJP asked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to “introspect” on his stand against anti-corruption campaign leader Anna Hazre, particularly on the conditions being put on the social activist for permitting his fast. HT reports.

The BJP asked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to “introspect” on his stand against anti-corruption campaign leader Anna Hazre, particularly on the conditions being put on the social activist for permitting his fast.

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BJP chief Nitin Gadkari said, “The Prime Minister should introspect on this issue...those who said there was zero corruption in 2G spectrum, those who first called Baba Ramdev a saint and talked to him three-four times, those who talked to Anna Hazare 10 times, then said these people were good.”

However, when Ramdev and Hazare did not fall in line and stood their ground on corruption the government turned against them, he said, "Now when they (Ramdev and Hazare) are talking about removing corruption they are being targeted and government is looking for ways to end their agitation."

“There is a policy that if you hold a protest, we will not allow it. The way this government is working and the statement that the Prime Minister made at the Red Fort is completely against democracy,” he said.

In his Independence Day speech at the Red Fort, the PM said “Those who don’t agree with the lokpal bill can put forward their views to Parliament, political parties and even the press. However, I also believe that they should not resort to hunger strikes…”

Refusing to comment on Singh’s address, senior BJP leader LK Advani said the people now want the UPA government to be held accountable for its actions. “It is the desire of the country to let 2011 end up as a year of accountability,” Advani said after hoisting the national flag at his residence.