PM discusses Lokpal with Pranab, Deshmukh

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today held consultations with Union ministers Pranab Mukherjee and Vilasrao Deshmukh, who are negotiating with activist Anna Hazare and his associates.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday held consultations with Union ministers Pranab Mukherjee and Vilasrao Deshmukh, who are negotiating with activist Anna Hazare and his associates.

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The consultations took place close on the heels of Team Anna making it clear that a mere discussion on the Lokpal issue in Parliament will not do and it has to pass a resolution indicating that Lokpal Bill covers three sticky issues.

Hazare has also told the Prime Minister that he will give up his fast if his three demands are met.

Before Deshmukh met the Prime Minister, he told reporters that the government was "hopeful" of breaking the deadlock soon.

When asked about fresh demands raised by Team Anna, he said the Gandhian was "sticking" to what he has told him on Thursday.

"Whatever has has told me, he is sticking to that," the minister said.