The Indian government opened talks Tuesday with aides to fasting anti-graft activist Anna Hazare, as Premier Manmohan Singh offered concessions to persuade the 74-year-old to end his hunger strike.
The talks between Law Minister Salman Khurshid and Arvind Kejriwal, a senior member of Hazare’s campaign, were the first in a dispute that has brought hundreds of thousands onto the streets and boxed Singh’s graft-tainted govt into a tight political corner.
“There has been no progress on the contentious issues. We just had general discussions,” Kejriwal told reporters after the meeting. “We met them to get information, understand their viewpoint,” Khurshid said. “There was no agenda.”
The veteran activist’s fast against corruption is focused on anti-graft legislation known as the “Lokpal” (Ombudsman) Bill, recently introduced in parliament. Hazare insists the current bill is toothless, and is demanding the government adopt and pass his own, more aggressive, version by August 30.
In a letter to the activist on Tuesday, Singh offered a compromise, saying the government would request the speaker of parliament to refer Hazare’s version to the committee that is currently reviewing the government’s draft.
Singh said he would also ask the committee to fast-track its deliberations “to the extent reasonably feasible”.
“I do hope that you will consider my suggestions and end your fast to regain full health and vitality,” he added.
Blindsided by the groundswell of national support for Hazare, the government has struggled to find a compromise while insisting that parliament cannot be dictated to on matters of legislation.
Hazare has permission to stage his public fast until September 2, but has made it clear that he would continue refusing food until his version of the bill is passed.
