Hazare, Rahul exchange letters on Lokpal

The Congress vice president has assured the social activist that he is committed to provide a strong Lokpal to the nation

After verbal duel now its time for bonhomie. Anti corruption crusader Anna Hazare and Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi have exchanged letters to each other on the respective stand on Lokpal Bill. In his letter dated December 15, a day after Rahul expressed the Congress led UPA government's resolve to seek the passage of Lokpal bill in the Rajya Sabha during the ongoing winter session, Anna showered praise on the Congress vice president for taking the personal initiative in this regard.  Anna is currently on fast in his home village Ralegan Siddhi demanding the passage of Lokpal bill. He has relaxed his rigid stand and supported the government's modified bill. Anna said more amendments can be suggested ones the law comes into effect.

Anna said the recommendations made by the joint select committeeon Lokpal as by and large been accepted by various political parties. However, he insisted that addition of more provisions can make Laokpal's functioning more effective as it will benefit the people at large.  

On the other hand, Rahul in his reply dated December 16 thanked Anna for his support to the Lokpal bill in the present format. Rahul did not forget to mention that how he respects Anna's stand on putting in place an effective Lokpal.

Curiously, Rahul in his communication to Anna said he received a much needed boost due to his letter. He went on say that the UPA government and the Congress party have been committed for a strong and effective Lokpal.

However, exchange of letters will further attract criticism from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) which has expressed displeasure for Anna's support to the now modified Lokpal bill. AAP claimed that its Jokepal and not the Lokpal bill.