No differences with Anna Hazare: Hegde

A day after asking Anna Hazare not to fast from August 16 if a strong anti-corruption bill is not prepared, Karnataka Lokayukta Santosh Hegde, a Lokpal Bill drafting committee member, on Sunday expressed solidarity with him saying that they had no differences.

The former Supreme Court judge also said that he would be present at the meeting of the Lokpal drafting committee on June 21 though he would not attend the panel's discussions on June 20 due to some previous commitment.

"It was a suggestion (on the fast issue) I had made because I personally felt that it would be better if Anna goes around India and mobilises support against corruption but that is being taken as if there is a split between us. If Anna Hazare goes on a strike, I will fully support him," Hegde said.

Hegde had on Saturday said in a letter to Hazare that he would not be able to attend the June 20 and 21 meetings of the committee. "...That is exactly the reason why I am coming to Delhi to attend the meeting and show that there is no rift, we are all together," he said.

Hegde had said on Saturday, "Annaji must continue his fight against corruption, personally. He must not go on any hunger strike immediately. He must go around the country and inform people about the consequences of corruption and on development."

Hazare early this week threatened to go on fast again from August 16 in the absence of a strong Lokpal Bill. Hegde had also said he would not go to the fasting place or take to the streets as he continued to occupy the post of Lokayukta in Karnataka till August 2.

"I will participate in the movement after I demit office," he said.