Want strong lokpal, don't fast: PM

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday said the government wants a "strong Lokpal" and those who don't agree with some aspects of a proposed legislation "should not resort to hunger strikes".

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday said the government wants a "strong Lokpal" and those who don't agree with some aspects of a proposed legislation "should not resort to hunger strikes".

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"We want a strong lokpal to prevent corruption in high places. We have recently introduced a bill in parliament to achieve this," said Singh in his address to the nation's 65th Independence Day.

"Now only parliament can decide what type of lokpal legislation should be enacted," he said from the ramparts of Red Fort.

He said he was "aware of the differences of opinion on some aspects of the bill."

"Those who don't agree with this 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 and fasts unto death."

He was referring to Gandhian Anna Hazare, who is to go on hunger strike in New Delhi from Tuesday against the government's version of the lokpal that keeps Prime Minister and judiciary out of its ambit.