JOIN USUrging the media not to politicise the issue, Bangarappa said Rahul Gandhi, the “next candidate” for the Prime Minister’s post, was the only one who can ask the Centre to accede to Hazare’s demands. “I believe Rahul Gandhi is the only person in the Congress who can prevail upon the prime minister to end the deadlock,” he said.
Asked about his newfound fondness for Rahul, Bangarappa said: “There is nothing political about it. Rahul Gandhi is the only one who can convince the high command.”
He said the PM’s office must be included in the Jan Lokpal Bill, as the PMO was also part of the administration where corruption existed.
When pointed out that he was contradicting his own party supremo, Bangarappa said there was nothing wrong in seeking the inclusion of the prime minister under the ambit of the Bill. “The party has lent its support to the movement. Where is the contradiction in supporting the clause that has been demanded by Anna Hazare?” he asked.
Bangarappa urged the Centre to present the Jan Lokpal Bill in its current form.