PM asks Hazare to adopt more rational approach on Lokpal

New Delhi, Aug 25 (PTI) Asking Anna Hazare to adopt a
"more rational approach" with regard to his demand for a
strong Lokpal, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday made
it clear that Parliamentary democracy cannot be undermined.
Responding to a letter from former Chief Justice J S
Verma, Singh asserted that it is only after "due deliberation"
that a law can be passed that not only meets the aspirations
of the people but is also "practical and effective".
Virtually rejecting the August 30 deadline set by Hazare
for passage of the Jan Lokpal Bill, he said, "It is the
bounden duty of Parliament to pass a law only after its
members have had reasonable time and opportunity to hear a
wide range of public opinions and apply their minds to its
various provisions."
The Prime Minister asked Verma to use his good offices to
urge Hazare and his supporters "to adopt a more rational
approach in dealing with this complex problem".
Singh's letter came after talks between government and
Team Anna ended in a deadlock last night with two sides
failing to resolve sticky issues, prompting the civil society
to declare that they were "back to square one".
Hazare's fast entered the tenth day on Thursday amid
mounting concerns over his health and his team accusing "some
strong elements" in the government of nullifying the entire
dialogue process.