Why entertain Anna Hazare, Lalu Prasad asks Congress

Days after his party MP tore a copy of Lokpal bill in Rajya Sabha, RJD chief Lalu Prasad on Thursday criticised the government for "entertaining" Anna Hazare and asserted that he would protest any attempt to disturb the established Constitutional structure.

He, however, remained ambiguous over the stand that his party would adopt when the Lokpal Bill again comes up in the Budget session, saying it would be decided at that time.

"Constitution has defined role for all institutions --Legislature, Judiciary and Executive. How can I be a mute spectator if someone tries to disturb this structure? There is a conspiracy to push the country towards the wrong direction," Prasad said.

He was responding when asked about the strong protest by his party to the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill in the Rajya Sabha on December 29 when the legislation could not be passed. His party colleague Rajniti Prasad tore a copy of the Bill, creating a flutter in the House at the peak of debate.

Insisting that the protest by his party colleague had nothing to do with the fate that the bill met that day, the RJD chief rejected allegations of a "deal" with the government to sabotage the passage of the crucial legislation.

While pressing his point, he flayed the government, which his party is supporting from outside, for paying too much attention to Hazare and other sections of the civil society.

"In the name of fighting corruption, one cannot play with Constitutional structure... Congress is responsible for this (mess)... Why did the Congress entertain Hazare and other sections of civil society? Corruption won't end this way," he said making clear his objections to consideration of the views of Team Anna.