Sonia-Hazare meet on Lokpal Bill likely soon

A meeting between Sonia Gandhi and Anna Hazare is expected soon despite differences between Congress and the civil society over the issue of Lokpal Bill. An indication to this effect was given by a senior party leader who declined to be identified.

"The Congress president has always extended due courtesies to anyone notwithstanding differences on issues", the leader noted. The Hazare camp had on Wednesday said that the Gandhian was to meet the Congress president on Thursday, but sources at 10 Janpath, Gandhi's residence, said no appointment has been fixed for the day.

Hazare has sought a meeting with Gandhi to explain her the civil society's stand on Lokpal Bill.

Reaching out to political parties ahead of the all-party meeting, the Anna Hazare team had on Wednesday met Communist Party of India-Marxist general secretary Prakash Karat and Rashtriya Lok Dal chief Ajit Singh to explain their position on Lokpal Bill.

Hazare had on Wednesday said he will try to persuade Sonia Gandhi to include the office of the prime minister in Lokpal Bill.