Congress not keen on dialogue with Team Anna

The protest by Anna Hazare is drawing crowds, but the Congress and United Progressive Alliance Government have made it clear that they are not ready for any discussion with Team Anna, as a select committee of the Rajya Sabha is already considering the legislation. The Congress spokesperson, Mr Manish Tewari, said the Government had no majority in the Upper House to pass the legislation. He said the select committee would consider various views on the Bill, as an effort to build consensus on the issue. “Members from all parties, including the Opposition leader, are part of the panel,” he said. Sources indicated that the Government’s decision was to “wait and watch”. The select committee, headed by Congress MP, Mr Satyavrat Chaturvedi, is supposed to submit a report within three months. Sources in the panel, however, said it may not complete the proceedings on the Bill within this period. “We are trying to talk to all stakeholders. We may be able to submit the report before the Winter Session of Parliament,” a member said.