Pawar quits anti-graft panel after Hazare jibe

Wednesday April 06, 2011 09:22:12 PM, IANS

New Delhi: Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar Wednesday stepped down from the high-powered anti-graft ministerial panel after social activist Anna Hazare, who is on fast-unto-death against corruption, criticised him.

Sources told IANS that Pawar has written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh asking him to relieve him from the Group of Ministers (GoM) that was set up in January to suggest legislative and administrative measures to curb corruption and improve transparency in government functioning.

The move comes hours after Hazare, whose fast had launched a nationwide campaign against corruption, criticised Pawar's inclusion in the panel, saying he owns large chunks of land in Maharashtra.

Hazare said, "A minister like Sharad Pawar, who is known for the possessing of large amounts of land holdings in Maharashtra, is heading a committee that will draft the (Lokpal or ombudsman) bill!"

Incidentally, Pawar was only a member of the committee.

On an indefinite fast here since Tuesday, Hazare is pressing for the enactment of the anti-graft bill with stringent measures against corruption.

Pawar earlier said said he would be happy to be relieved from all ministerial panels, including the one on corruption.

"I will be happy if you relieve me from all GoMs, including that GoM (on corruption)," Pawar told reporters, replying to a query on Hazare's jibe.

The high-powered ministerial panel on corruption is headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and has Home Minister P. Chidambaram, Defence Minister A.K. Antony, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee, Law Minister M. Veerappa Moily, Parliamentary Affairs Minister P.K. Bansal, Chemicals and Fertiliser Minister M.K. Alagiri and IT and Communications Minister Kapil Sibal as its other members.


 

                                           Home | Top of the Page

Top Stories

Fighting corruption: Anna's fast-unto-death enters day two

Veteran activist Anna Hazare's fast-unto-death here gathered steam on its second day Wednesday as he pressed for a stronger anti-graft Lok Pal Bill through greater involvement of civil society - a protest he has  »

 Lokpal Bill: Social activists vs government

Give us time on Lokpal Bill: Sibal

  Most Read

No reports of sexual violence by Indian troops in Kashmir: UN

The United Nations has no reports of alleged sexual violence by Indian troops In Kashmir, a senior UN official said here Wednesday. "So far, we do not have proper reports about this....so far  »

Palestinian institutions ready for statehood

Palestinian Authority Prime Minster Salam Fayyad said on Tuesday he is confident his government will have the institutional framework in place by the end of the summer necessary to win global support for an independent Palestinian  »

 Israel considering temporary Palestinian state

  News Pick

Nepal's Christians, Hindus head for clash over burial ground

Nepal's burgeoning Christian community's demand for a burial ground seemed headed for a collision with the Hindus with the Supreme Court  »

Christians give 48-hour ultimatum to Nepal government

From 'crorepatis' to poor, Kerala poll fray has them all

One candidate has an enviable Rs.15 crore in assets while another has a paltry Rs.1,000 to his name. Candidates for   »

A 10th election, a 10th constituency - meet Kerala's rolling stone

Congress, BJP in slanging match in Assam

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader L.K. Advani Wednesday lashed out at the Congress government in Assam for its "corruption ridden misrule", while the ruling party hit back saying the state did not  »

Myanmar Parliament a Bacon Light to Democracy

There are some seminal changes taking place in Myanmar that needs attention amidst the news of India wining the world cricket world, tsunami cum quake in Japan, and civilized world is hell bent to make Libya, another  »

Punjab to do away with convocation gowns

Terming it as a reflection of the "colonial symbol of slavery", the Punjab government Wednesday announced that it would do away with ceremonial gowns worn during convocation functions of colleges, institutes and  »

Picture of the Day

A sand art creation to congratulate Team India for winning the CWC 2011 final, in Puri.

(Photo: PTI)