Hazare's fast premature, says Congress

The Congress on Tuesday termed as "premature" social activist Anna Hazare's indefinite hunger strike for a stronger Lokpal Bill, and appealed to him to engage in constructive discussion with the government for enactment of a more comprehensive legislaton.

The Congress on Tuesday termed as "premature" social activist Anna Hazare's indefinite hunger strike for a stronger Lokpal Bill, and appealed to him to engage in constructive discussion with the government for enactment of a more comprehensive legislaton.

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Congress spokesman Manish Tewari said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has constituted a sub-committee headed by defence minister A K Antony for discussions on the bill.

"When the process was already on, then adopting such a path is perhaps not appropriate, probably unnecessary. We respect Hazare very much but the path he has adopted is premature," Tewari said.

He said that the Prime Minister's Office has expressed its disappointment over Hazare going on a fast and urged the social worker to engage in a constructive discussion which could lead to enactment of a more comprehensive legislation.

In a democracy, the government moves the bill and parliament enacts it and there is enough scope of incorporating constructive suggestions even through amendments, Tewari said.

Asked about reports of the National Advisory Council's group on transparency and accountability being in broad agreement with the Jan Lokpal Bill being advocated by the civil society groups, Tewari said differences exist in a democracy and a harmonious consensus can be reached through healthy discussions.

Hazare on Tuesday began a fast-unto-death in the capital, demanding enactment of a comprehensive and stronger Lokpal Bill.