Lok Pal Bill: Sibal Meets Swamy Agnivesh

Union Human Resources Development Minister Kapil Sibal today met social activists Swamy Agnivesh and Arvind Kejriwal to find ways to bridge differences on the anti-corruption Lok Pal Bill. The talks between the Government and the activists came as Mr Hazare's fast entered the third day and support for his crusade gathered momentum across the country.

After the meeting, Sibal told reporters that the trio had a 'constructive dialogue' and are trying to find out solutions. "The broad parameters generally agreed upon, the formalities not yet. We want to deal with corruption. We want to get rid of corruption. We want civil society to participate in this effort. We do not have any problem with that," said the minister. Mr. Sibal also asserted "We want Anna Hazare to give up the fast, we believe that the object must be that civil society and government should sit together and deal with the problem of corruption through an effective legislation."

Swami Agnivesh and Kejriwal are part of the movement started by veteran Anna Hazare, who is on his third day of indefinite hunger strike demanding a role for civil society members in the drafting of the Lokpal Bill. Swamy Agnivesh said that the meeting is going on in a positive and constructive way.