Some progress in talks on Lokpal issue: Hegde

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Aug 23: In view of talks between Team Anna and UPA government on the Lokpal issue, former Karnataka Lokayukta Justice N Santosh Hegde on Tuesday said though some progress has been made in the matter, but there was nothing concrete.

"... some progress has been made in the dialogue, but nothing is concrete as both parties have reservations. While Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is speaking of give and take, the Anna group is not keen on talking to Chidambaram or Kapil Sibal," Hegde, a member of the joint committee for drafting Jan Lokpal bill told reporters here.

"Annaji himself has said he will speak only to the PMO and Rahul Gandhi ... this is the point of contention. Maybe today some developments may take place," he said.

To a question on whether Team Anna had become rigid, Hegde said, "I think the government has created this situation. We have tried to talk several times with the government."

Hazare's supporters and the government had earlier said during the weekend they are open to talks, with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh saying there was a "lot of scope for give and take."

Links

http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/some-progress-in-talks-on-lokpal-issue-hegde_727827.html

http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_some-progress-in-talks-on-lokpal-issue-but-nothing-concrete-santosh-hegde_1578930

http://www.west-bengal.com/india/some-progress-in-talks-on-lokpal-issue-but-nothing-concrete-santosh-hegde/118444.html

http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/some-progress-in-talks-on-lokpal-issue-but-nothing-concrete/797740.html

http://news.webindia123.com/news/Articles/India/20110823/1817782.html