New Delhi:
Digvijaya Singh sent his second letter in 48 hours to Anna Hazare today. His party, the Congress, has made it clear that his letter-writing should now end. Congress spokesperson Janardhan Dwivedi said that the Prime Minister's note to Anna, also sent yesterday, should have served as the final word.
Mr Singh's latest letter to the anti-corruption crusader, dispatched this morning, was actually a cover note attached to another letter - one sent from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to Anna in April this year. Mr Singh says the letter proves that the right-wing RSS supports Anna's campaign. Anna's supporters like Kiran Bedi say they see nothing wrong in any group or party lending its support to what has become a people's movement. The RSS letter brandished by Mr Singh, they contend, does not suggest a covert political affiliation.
Yesterday, Mr Singh had sent a lengthy letter to Anna in which he criticized the Gandhian for his stand against the Congress. Mr Singh warned Anna that he is being exploited by his inner circle of activists for their political gain. In particular, he referred to Hisar in Haryana, which votes for its Lok Sabha tomorrow, and where Team Anna has asked people to spurn the Congress.
Hours later, Anna received another letter - this time from Dr Manmohan Singh who assured him that his government is committed to introducing a strong Lokpal Bill. The Prime Minister also said that he will consult other political parties about the electoral reforms that Anna is keen on - like the Right to Reject - which allows a "none of the above" option when people are casting their vote.
The Lokpal Bill, Team Anna insists, must be passed in the winter session of parliament. The Lokpal refers to an independent agency which will be empowered to investigate complaints of corruption among government servants. Hisar, Team Anna says, must defeat the Congress to prove that the party will suffer in other elections if the bill is not passed in the winter session of parliament.
Hisar votes tomorrow.