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Lokpal logjam: PM walks extra mile, Anna Hazare unmoved

NEW DELHI: Hopes of a resolution to the Anna-government standoff flickered from time to time on Thursday but eventually it remained unclear when the Gandhian would call off his 10-day fast. The eyeball-to-eyeball confrontation was continuing till midnight. The Prime Minister first raised hopes by offering to bring the Jan Lokpal Bill, as drafted by Team Anna, for discussion in Parliament. But this was rebuffed by Anna Hazare who insisted on an assurance that the three sticking points of the bill - inclusion of lower bureaucracy in Lokpal, setting up Lokayuktas in all states, and bringing a citizens charter for public services - be incorporated in the new bill after a debate. The government found this assurance almost impossible to give as that would mean presuming Parliaments will. Late at night, it was learned that the government was preparing a written response to Annas demand. At the time of writing, Team Anna sources said nothing had been received by it from the government. They also said that Annas aides had met the BJP leadership late at night, and removed some of the partys misgivings about the Jan Lokpal Bill. The BJP has decided to support the Jan Lokpal Bill after Annas aides agreed that some provisions of the bill can be changed to address their misgivings. However, it is in agreement to bring the lower bureaucracy under Lokpal and enact a central law to set up Lokayuktas in states. This support from the BJP is likely to narrow the Congresss elbow room in dealing with Anna.

                                                                                                               
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