Team Anna backs Rahul's idea of making Lokpal constitutional body

Team Anna today termed Rahul Gandhi's speech in Parliament on Lokpal issue "disappointing", but, at the same time, supported his idea of making the anti-corruption authority a constitutional body.

Team Anna om Friday termed Rahul Gandhi's speech in Parliament on Lokpal issue "disappointing", but, at the same time, supported his idea of making the anti-corruption authority a constitutional body.

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Activist Medha Patkar, who is part of Anna Hazare's core group, said in spite of talking about the broad issue, the Congress General Secretary should have deliberated on the immediate issues raised by the Gandhian, whose fast for a strong Lokpal continued for 11th day.

"Today's urgency and concerns for lakhs and lakhs of people have not been addressed," she said when her reaction was sought on Gandhi's speech.

"He did not comment on the Lokpal Bill that he should have courageously done," Patkar maintained.

However, she welcomed Gandhi's suggestion to make Lokpal a constitutional body like the Election Commission. "I earnestly support it."

Another Team Anna member Kiran Bedi said, "The country is impatient for action and implementation and not a mere well-intentioned long plan on issues pending since independence.

"You climb hills before you reach Mt Everest. Lokpal is a tall hill which will take you to the Everest. Begin and prove the intention," Bedi said.