News-Social activist Anna Hazare ends his 12 day old fast

Social activist Anna Hazare ends his 12 day old fast

Social activist Anna Hazare ended his fast this morning on the 12th day after Parliament unanimously agreed in principle with his three demands to deal with corruption. The 74-year-old Hazare accepted a glass of tender coconut water mixed with honey from two little girls at the Ramlila Ground to end his fast that began on the 16th of August. Addressing the gathering Hazare said that he has just deferred his agitation but the fight will continue. Outlining his future agenda, he emphasized reforms in election and education systems and working for the betterment of farmers and labourers. He also sought decentralisation of power, saying the real power should rest with gram sabhas. He called upon the people to protect environment and reasonable use of natural resources for the sake of better future of next generation. He thanked all for this victory.

“I thank every body because the victory which has been received regarding the significant three issues in Jan Lokpal, is the victory of every countryman. It is the victory of you people who stood here”

After his brief address, the social activist was taken to a private Hospital atGurgaon for a medical check up and he is likely to remain there for a couple of days . Earlier, one of his close aides Arvind Kejriwal thanked the Parliamentarians and leaders of political parties for their support to the demands made by team Anna. Various political parties welcomed the ending of Anna Hazare's fast. Congress today said it is a "win-win situation" for all stakeholders. Talking to media persons in New Delhi, Union Law Minister and Senior Congress Leader Salman Khurshid said that the government wants a better system in the country to protect the interest of common man. He congratulated Mr Hazare for his totally peaceful and successful agitation. BJP spokesman Shahnawaz Hussain said that they will fully support setting up a strong and effective Lok Pal.JD(U) spokesman Shivanand Tiwary said that his party is committed to the eradication of corruption and for a strong Lok Pal.

News- Finance Minister is for a change in the system

Finance Minister says there is a need for a change in the system to fight corruption; Members also call for reforms in Judiciary

Winding up the debate in the Lok Sabha, Mr Mukherjee said there is a need for a change in the system to check corruption and the government is doing so. He, however, said one single law how much strong and empowered it may be cannot completely eradicate corruption.

“Lokpal bill alone cannot root out corruption. We need multi-layer laws to deal with the corruption at various level. In addition to the lokpal bill, we are willing to strengthen the judicial accountability bill, whistle blower's bill and the includes of Shri Anna Hazare and his associates will be taken into consideration. We are also working on a grievance redressal bill to tackle corruption at the local level”

Mr Mukherjee hoped that with the unanimous adoption of the resolution Anna Hazare will break the fast and the agitation will come to an end. Participating in the debate Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Mrs. Sushma Swaraj while pledging full support to the three demands of Team Anna called for bringing Prime Minister in its ambit with except for national security and public order and also advocated to bring a separate legislation for setting up the National Judicial Accountability commission.

Sandeep Dixit from Congress strongly supported the points brought into focus by the Finance Minister and pleaded for sometime to prepare the required mechanism for operationalisation of citizen charter. He also stressed the need to create a separate mechanism to deal with malpractices in corporate sectors and NGOs.

In the Rajya Sabha the Leader of the Opposition Mr. Arun Jaitley said that while framing the legislation, care should be taken so that there is no interference or overlapping of powers between the Centre and the States. He opined that the appointment and performance of Judges cannot be left to judges alone. Mr. Ashwani Kumar, Union Minister and Senior Congress leader opposed the proposal of Prime Minister's inclusion in the Lokpal. Agreeing with the basic premise that Lokayuktas need to be appointed in all States to deal with corruption he said it has to be implemented keeping in view the federal structure of the country. Several other prominent parliamentarians who participated in the in the two Houses, so far they include Mr. Sudeep Bandhopadhyay of TMC, Sharad Yadad , JDU, Revti Raman Singh ,SP, Dara Singh Chauhan, BSP, T.K. S. Elegovan, DMK, Sitaram Yechury, CPIM and Lalu Prassad ,JDU.

News- Finance Minister is for a change in the system

Finance Minister says there is a need for a change in the system to fight corruption; Members also call for reforms in Judiciary

Winding up the debate in the Lok Sabha, Mr Mukherjee said there is a need for a change in the system to check corruption and the government is doing so. He, however, said one single law how much strong and empowered it may be cannot completely eradicate corruption.

“Lokpal bill alone cannot root out corruption. We need multi-layer laws to deal with the corruption at various level. In addition to the lokpal bill, we are willing to strengthen the judicial accountability bill, whistle blower's bill and the includes of Shri Anna Hazare and his associates will be taken into consideration. We are also working on a grievance redressal bill to tackle corruption at the local level”

Mr Mukherjee hoped that with the unanimous adoption of the resolution Anna Hazare will break the fast and the agitation will come to an end. Participating in the debate Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Mrs. Sushma Swaraj while pledging full support to the three demands of Team Anna called for bringing Prime Minister in its ambit with except for national security and public order and also advocated to bring a separate legislation for setting up the National Judicial Accountability commission.

Sandeep Dixit from Congress strongly supported the points brought into focus by the Finance Minister and pleaded for sometime to prepare the required mechanism for operationalisation of citizen charter. He also stressed the need to create a separate mechanism to deal with malpractices in corporate sectors and NGOs.

In the Rajya Sabha the Leader of the Opposition Mr. Arun Jaitley said that while framing the legislation, care should be taken so that there is no interference or overlapping of powers between the Centre and the States. He opined that the appointment and performance of Judges cannot be left to judges alone. Mr. Ashwani Kumar, Union Minister and Senior Congress leader opposed the proposal of Prime Minister's inclusion in the Lokpal. Agreeing with the basic premise that Lokayuktas need to be appointed in all States to deal with corruption he said it has to be implemented keeping in view the federal structure of the country. Several other prominent parliamentarians who participated in the in the two Houses, so far they include Mr. Sudeep Bandhopadhyay of TMC, Sharad Yadad , JDU, Revti Raman Singh ,SP, Dara Singh Chauhan, BSP, T.K. S. Elegovan, DMK, Sitaram Yechury, CPIM and Lalu Prassad ,JDU.

News- Parliament unanimously agrees on a resolution of Team Anna

Parliament unanimously agrees on a resolution on three demands of Team Anna on Lokpal issue

Prospects of Anna Hazare breaking his 12 day fast have further brightened with Parliament unanimously agreeing to a resolution in principle to their three demands. Both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha agreed to the resolution conveying the sense of the two Houses on the demands of Team Anna. The demands included setting up of Lok Ayukatas at state levels, bringing lower bureaucracy under the ambit of the Lokpal and the charter that makes response of the government to citizen's issues time bound. Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said, both Houses also resolved that the resolution will be sent to the Standing Committee now looking into the Lokpal bill for its perusal.

“There is in principle agreement on Citizen's Charter, Lower Bureauracy to be brought under the Lokpal through appropriate mechanism, establishment of a Lokayukta in the states. Having agreed in principle this House, Madam Speaker, I will request you to transmit the entire proceedings of this House, to the relevent standing committee for their perusal to further their recommendations for the bill which will be able to sent to us for consideration at the appropriate time”

News-Rahul Gandhi Calls for Strengthening Lokpal by making Constitutional body

Rahul Gandhi Calls for Strengthening Lokpal by making Constitutional body

AICC General Secretary and Member of Parliament, Rahul Gandhi on Friday called for a stronger Lokpal by making it a Constitutional body like the Election Commission. He said a comprehensive framework of action and a concerted political programme is essential to deal effectively with the menace of corruption. Rahul thanked, Anna Hazare saying Anna has helped articulate public sentiment against corruption.

Making a statement in the Loksabha on Friday he asserted that the real question before the members of Parliament is to take the battle against corruption head-on. He said, corruption can't be wished away, as it will require a comprehensive programme of action. He said, he had serious doubts about the perception that the enactment of a single bill will eradicate corruption.

Rahul said, Lokpal alone cannot be a substitute to anti-corruption code and a set of effective laws is required covering various fields. He said, these include government funding of elections and political parties, transparency in public procurement, proper regulation of sectors fueling corruption like land in mining, tax reforms and grievance redressal mechanism in public service delivery.

He urged public representatives to work together to ensure parliament functions at its optimum capacity and enacts these laws in a just and time bound manner.

He cautioned that a tactical incursion divorced from the machinery of an elected government that seeks to undo the checks and balances to protect the supremacy of Parliament sets a dangerous precedent for a democracy.

He reminded that today it is a proposed law against corruption, tomorrow it can be an issue that attacks the plurality of the society and democracy. He called for moving democracy deeper into villages and cities and urged the members to commit themselves to truth and probity in public life.

Speaking to reporters outside parliament, Rahul Gandhi said that his proposal to set up an Election Commission like body to deal with the menace of corruption is a game changing idea.

News- Parliament likely to discuss various versions of Lokpal Bill

Parliament likely to discuss various versions of Lokpal Bill today; Anna Hazare fast enters 11^th day

Parliament is likely to discuss the Lokpal bill today. Talking to reporters after a high level meeting at Prime Minister's residence, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal said the government has decided to put all the drafts proposed for Lokpal bill for discussions in Parliament including Jan Lok Pal bill and the document prepared by Aruna Roy and others for a stringent anti-corruption bill.

He added that government is exploring options to hold discussions on a three sticky points emerged in the talks with team Anna. These points include discussions on adoption of citizen charter, establishment of state Lokayukta and inclusion of lower bureaucracy under the ambit of Lokpal.

Meanwhile, hectic parleys are on to break the logjam over the shape of the Lokpal Bill. Four rounds of talks have already been held between Team Anna and the Government. Union Minister of Science and Technology Shri Vilasrao Deshmukh met Anna Hazare to break the impasse.

The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and leaders from all other political parties in the Lok Sabha requested Anna Hazare to end his fast. Dr. Manmohan Singh said that Anna Hazare has registered his protest and he should end his fast.

The BJP, after initial reluctance, announced its support to the Team Anna Lokpal bill. Senior party leader Arun Jaitley after meeting with representatives of Anna Hazare last night said that his party also want strong Lokpal bill but it should be adhered to the constitution.

After a high level meeting at New Delhi on Thursday night, Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said that the dialogue with team Anna will continue and requested social activist Anna Hazare to end his fast as requested unanimously across the spectrum.

Union Law Minister Salman Khurshid said that with the approval of Parliament the full draft of the Lokpal Bill will be sent to Standing Committee for its consideration so that a strong Lokpal bill can be formed having maximum consensus.

Meanwhile, Anna Hazare's fast has entered 11th day today. However, the health condition of Anna Hazare is stable. Dr. Naresh Trehan, who is monitoring his health, informed last evening that Anna has lost over six kgs. of weight.

News- Government calls all party meet to solve Lokpal issue

Government calls all party meet to solve Lokpal issue

Government has convened an all-party meeting tomorrow to find a way to solve the Lok Pal issue. Leaders of all political parties have been invited to attend the meet scheduled for 3.30 pm tomorrow. No headway has been made so far in the talks between the government and the Civil Society activists in the behind the scene talks. Official sources said, government is of the view that some of the demands put forth by Hazare and his associates, require a wider political consensus before a decision could be taken. In a related development, the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today held a detailed meeting with the Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, looking into the Lokpal Bill. Singhvi had yesterday said that difference between the government and Hazare on Lokpal Bill were more to do with methodology rather than content and said, the Committee is open to all kinds of opinions and inputs to send a strong and acceptable Lokpal Bill back to Parliament. Congress Member Praveen Singh Aron has already submitted a copy of Hazare's Jan Lokpal Bill for consideration of the Committee.

A close aide of Anna, Arvind Kejriwal has suggested that government should either withdraw the official Bill or amend it by including provisions of the Jan Lokpal Bill. However, he said, Hazare has not insisted that he will talk only with Prime Minister or Congress.

The fast of Anna Hazare entered the 8th day today. Doctors have advised him not to venture into the sun as it could have a negative impact on his health.

Nine non-BJP, non-Congress, political parties are observing a nationwide protest today against the government's version of the Lokpal Bill. The Members of Parliament belonging to these parties held a protest demonstration in front of the statue of Mahatama Gandhi in Parliament complex this morning. They were demanding an effective legislation to end corruption in high places.

News-Government open to reasoned debate on Lokpal

Government open to reasoned debate on Lokpal: PM

The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has said that the government is opened to a reasoned debate on all issues of Lokpal Bill. Delivering the Golden jubilee lecture of the Indian Institute of Management, Kolkata, Dr. Singh said that there are differences of views on the details of the Bill and the Parliamentary Standing Committee looking into the bill has the power to propose any amendment.

The Prime Minister asserted that creation of a Lokpal alone will not solve the problem of corruption and it needs to be supported by improvements in the pace and quality of Judicial processes.

He added speedy trials and timely judgements will do a great deal to discourage corruption and dispel the notion that those who break the law can get away scot free.
The Prime Minister will inaugurate the diamond jubilee celebration and also address the 57th Annual Convocation of the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharakhpur in West Midnapoor district on Monday afternoon.

News-Prime Minister confident of systematic solution

Prime Minister expresses confidence of systematic solution to increase transparency in decision making

The Prime Minister expressed confidence that government will come up with systematic solutions to increase transparency in decision making.

The Prime Minister said, he has asked the group of ministers to look into the issues of revamping existing government procedures to reduce discretion and to make the basis of decision making as transparent as possible.

Dr. Singh said, governance failures in combating the challenge of corruption is at the forefront of the public concern and this needs to be addressed which has occupied centre stage in the perception of many concerned citizens.

Dr. Singh said, a new legislation is on the anvil to strengthen the regulatory mechanism. He said that the funding of election is yet another area which also calls for reforms to reduce the scope for generation of black money.

The Prime minister hopes that the country will be able to achieve nine per cent growth in next five years plan which needs inherent economic strength.

News- news-Government for strong Lokpal Bill and open to discussion

Prime Minister says Government for strong Lokpal Bill and open to discussion

Prime Minister says, the Government is for a strong Lok Pal Bill and open to discussion on the issue. Calling for a broad national consensus , Dr.Manmohan Singh expressed the hope that the government can enlist the cooperation of all thinking segments of public opinion to ensure that the end product is a strong and effective Lokpal which all sections of our community want. The Prime Minister was replying questions from the media at the conclusion of the full meeting of the Planning Commission to approve the Approach Paper of the 12th Five Year Plan.

Dr.Singh said the government has presented a Lokpal Bill which was the demand of all political parties. On the passage of the Lok Pal bill Dr Singh hoped that people will appreciate that there is a dynamic of the legislative process which takes time sometimes. Certain stages have to be crossed. Therefore, he said, it may not be possible to pass the bill by the end of this month. But, he said, he will not like to say or oppose anything else that has been said by somebody else.
The Congress Party has already indicated that it is not averse to talk to Team Anna if it formally approaches the government over the Lokpal issue.

Meanwhile, a Parliamentary panel has sought public opinion and suggestions on the Lokpal Bill. The panel has given a deadline of 15 days to the general public and organisations to send their feedback on the measure which proposes to create an anti-corruption watchdog.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Law and Justice and Personnel has today issued an advertisement giving out salient features of the Bill. The bill was introduced in Parliament on fourth of this month and soon after it was referred to the Standing Committee giving it three months to come up with its recommendations. 

Social activist Anna Hazare continued his fast at Ram Lila ground on fifth day today to press for his demand for a strong Lokpal. He is also demanding reforms in the electoral process. Members of Team Anna today said that they are open to hold talks with the Government. They however said there is no indication from the government

News- All shortcomings of Lokpal Bill will be looked into: Congress

All shortcomings of Lokpal Bill will be looked into: Congress

Congress on Thursday said that all the shortcomings of the Lokpal Bill will be looked into by the Standing Committee of Parliament. Briefing reporters in New Delhi, party Spokesperson Renuka Chowdhary said that the Government has already considered various demands of the civil society and the bill will be debated upon in detail after the Standing Committee submits its recommendations.

News-Rajya Sabha adopts impeachment motion for Justice Soumitera Sen’s removal as Judge of Calcutta High Court

Rajya Sabha adopts impeachment motion for Justice Soumitera Sen’s removal as Judge of Calcutta High Court

The Rajya Sabha on Thursday adopted an impeachment motion to remove the Judge of Calcutta High Court, Justice Soumitera Sen from the post for misappropriation of funds and misrepresentation of facts. The motion moved by Mr. Sitaram Yechuri of the CPIM was adopted by more than two-third of the members present in the House. The Chairman of the House, Mohd. Hamid Ansari announced that 189 members voted in favour of the motion and 17 against.

Participating in the two-day debate, the members cutting across party lines called for judicial reforms and setting up of a Judicial Commission for transparency and effective functioning of the judicial system.

The debate on the motion was initiated by leader of the opposition in the House, Mr. Arun Jaitley who tore into the Justice Somitera Sen’s defence, saying that the latter had misled the House. Continuing his argument Mr Jaitley, said that he had gone through the entire evidence in the judge's case and found it to be in tandem with the inquiry that proved misappropriation of funds by the Judge.

Justice Sen of the Calcutta High Court had, in his defence on Wednesday asserted that he was not guilty of financial irregularities and the allegations of misconduct and misappropriation of funds against him were aimed at victimising him in a pre-determined move.

The House resumed discussion on the motion Thursday afternoon. Opposing the motion Satish Mishra of BSP put across his argument making a case in his defence. Members from different political parties including ruling and opposition participated in the debate to support the motion.

A special committee constituted by Rajya Sabha chairman Hamid Ansari had found charges of financial irregularities against Justice Sen to be correct. He is accused of misappropriating nearly 24 lakh rupees in the 1990s when he was a lawyer and was appointed receiver by the Calcutta High Court.

It is also to be noted that this is the second time that an impeachment motion for removal of a Judge has been taken up by Parliament. In 1993, the Lok Sabha took up the motion to remove Justice V. Ramaswamy of Supreme Court but the motion fell through.

News-Hazare accepts police proposal to fast for 14 days

Hazare accepts police proposal to fast for 14 days

Social activist Anna Hazare has accepted the Delhi Police proposal to fast for 14 days at Ramlila Maidan beginning today. With this the deadlock between Hazare and Delhi police over the duration of his fast has come to an end.

Anna's associate Kiran Bedi said that Anna has accepted the Delhi Police permission for two weeks of fast. She said Anna will be at the Ramlila Ground after 3PM. Bedi said the conditions which were earlier unacceptable to Anna team have been removed by the Delhi police.
A Delhi police spokesperson told that the breakthrough came following the meeting of Hazare aides- Bedi, Prashant Bhushan, Manish Sisodia and Arvind Kejriwal with Delhi Police Commissioner B K Gupta shortly after midnight.
Anna is likely to leave Tihar jail Thursday afternoon.

News-Anna Hazare released from Tihar jail

Anna Hazare released from Tihar jail

Social activist Anna Hazare along with his associates has been released from Tihar jail. Confirming this Public Relation Officer of Tihar Jail Sunil Gupta said that Team Anna has been released after receiving proper orders from Delhi Police.

Mr. Gupta informed that Anna Hazare has refused to come out of jail unless he is allowed to carry out his indefinite fast at JP Park in the National capital. His other associates have already come out of the jail.

Mr. Hazare was taken into custody yesterday morning on grounds of apprehension of breach of peace following his intention to defy prohibitory orders to go on indefinite fast. Later he was sent to Jail after he was produced before a Special Executive Magistrate and refused to give the undertaking.

Anna's associates Kiran Bedi and Shanti Bhushan, who were detained, were also released.
Earlier, Opposition Parties had demanded immediate release of Anna Hazare. They also demanded a statement from the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Parliament on his arrest. The demand was made after a meeting of leaders of various political parties including Sitaram Yechuri of CPM, Gurudas Dasgupta and D.Raja of CPI, Shailendra Kumar of Samajwadi Party, Raghuvamsh Prasad Singh of RJD and Mysoora Reddy of TDP besides NDA partners.

Talking to reporters following the meeting, CPIM leader Seetaram Yechury said that they wanted the Prime Minister to explain the government's action in both the Houses.

In a separate briefing, senior BJP leader, Mrs Sushma Swaraj echoed similar sentiments. However, there was no consensus amongst the opposition parties on boycotting the parliament on the issue.

Strongly defending Anna Hazare's custody, the Home Minister Mr. P.Chidambaram had earlier said that the government was not happy with the conditions imposed by the Delhi Police.

But it was a painful decision to detain Anna as he and his supporters had made it public that they will defy the prohibitory orders.

Mr. Chidambaram however made it clear that the government is not against holding any demonstration or peaceful protest.

Talking to a private TV channel, Information and Broadcasting minister Ambika Soni, asserted that only Jan Lokpal Bill will not root out corruption. She said, the anguish of the people is understandable and several measures have to be taken for combating the menace of corruption.

News-PM calls for confronting corruption on all fronts

PM calls for confronting corruption on all fronts

The nation is celebrating 65th Independence Day today with the Prime Minister giving a clarion call for confronting corruption on all fronts. Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort after unfurling the tricolour this morning, Dr. Manmohan Singh reaffirmed government's commitment for a strong Lokpal to prevent corruption in high places. But, he made it clear that resorting to hunger strikes and fast unto death will not help. Top priority to deal with inflation, a transparent law on Land Acquisition, strict vigilance against terrorism and extremism and an education commission are the other highlights of the Prime Minister's speech.

Dealing at length on corruption, Dr. Singh said, no single big step will be able to deal with the menace.

There is need for improving justice delivery system to tackle the menace and a Judicial Accountability Bill has been introduced in Parliament for this. A Public Procurement Legislation is also on the anvil to check corruption in government purchases.
Sharing the concern over the issue, the Prime Minister said while considering the matter an atmosphere should not be created to bring the country's progress into question. Calling for understanding and restraint, Dr. Singh said that the security and integrity of the country will get affected otherwise. One should rise against personal and political interests and build consensus on issues of national importance. Dr. Singh referred to the differences of opinion on the Lokpal Bill and said that those who do not agree with the Bill can put forward their views to Parliament, political parties and the media. But he said only Parliament can decide what type of Lokpal legislation should be enacted. He felt it inappropriate to bring judiciary under the ambit of Lokpal as it would erode its independence.
Dr. Manmohan Singh said, there is a need to improve justice delivery system to punish the corrupt quickly. Saying there is no magic wand to eradicate corruption, he wanted all political parties to stand shoulder to shoulder to fight the menace. The Prime Minister exuded confidence that the fight against corruption will be won only when every citizens cooperate in the battle.

News-Delhi Police rejects permission for Anna Hazare's indefinite fast

Delhi Police rejects permission for Anna Hazare's indefinite fast

Delhi Police today rejected permission for Anna Hazare's indefinite fast in the National Capital. Delhi Police spokesperson Rajan Bhagat said that the affidavit submitted by Hazare team was incomplete as they did not restrict themselves to the time limit of three days and the number of protestors to 5,000.

The police move to reject the application came soon after the Hazare team submitted an undertaking leaving six out of the 22 conditions laid out by Delhi Police for granting permission for the fast at the park.

News- Centre steps up efforts to unearth black money

Centre steps up efforts to unearth black money in country

Government steps up efforts to unearth black money in the country and prevent tax evasion. This includes scrutiny of tax returns, surveys, imposition of penalty and launching of prosecution in appropriate cases. Official sources said, Information Technology is also being used in collection, collation and dissemination of taxpayer information. The Income Tax Department has also set up an Integrated Taxpayer Data Management System to electronically collate Information collected from various sources.

The sources said that Information is received from Financial Intelligence Unit under the Department of Revenue regarding suspicious transactions from various banks and financial institutions. This information is thoroughly being investigated by the Department. Besides, the Department has set up two specialized wings to investigate and assess the cases of foreign companies, expatriates and non-residents indians.

News- LokPal Bill introduced in Parliament

Lokpal Bill introduced in Lok Sabha

The Lokpal Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha today by the Minister of State for Personnel, Mr. V.Narayansamy. The proposed legislation will pave the way for creating a mechanism for citizens to approach newly created anti- corruption watchdog with complaints against officials, bureaucrats and Union Ministers.
When the Bill was introduced, the leader of the Opposition in the House, Sushma Swaraj questioned why the Prime Minister is not under the ambit of Lokpal. Mr. Narayansamy in response said that the decision will have to be taken by the House.
The Lokpal will have a Chairman with eight members to assist him. The post of Prime Minister and Senior Judiciary has been kept out of the ambit of the Bill.
The Bill will now go to the Parliamentary Standing Committee for detailed discussions and review before it comes for approval of the House. Earlier, Law Minister Salman Khurshid said the civil society activists led by Anna Hazare, should not take any extreme step in protest against the Lokpal Bill. Talking to reporters in New Delhi today, he said everyone should have faith in Parliament which will take a final decision on the Bill.

News- Karnataka Chief Minister Yeddyurappa resigns

Yeddyurappa resigns, backs Sadananda Gowda

as successor

Karnataka chief minister BS Yeddyurappa finally tendered his  resignation officially on Sunday. He handed over the copy of resignation to governor H R Bhardwaj at 4.15 pm ending his tumultuous 38-month tenure.

Yeddyurappa thanked people and party for giving him an opportunity to rule the state. "I am satisfied by the work I have done. I will continue to strive to strengthen the party," he told reporters.

In a show of strength to the party high command, Yeddyurappa walked to the Raj Bhavan from his residence along with a host of ministers, MPs and MLAs to tender resignation. He flashed his trademark victory symbol before entering the Raj Bhavan.