Expressing hope that differences between Anna Hazare and government could be sorted out soon, spiritual leader Baiyyuji Maharaj, who has emerged as a mediator, today said the government was trying “really hard” to find a solution.
Indore-based Mr. Maharaj, who is known to several top politicians from Maharashtra, said the crux of the dialogue is that how much of concession each side was ready for.
“I can tell you the government is trying really hard. I am not supporting or favouring anybody but intentions of both sides are very clear...,” he said when asked about his role in mediation process.
ADVERTISEMENT
He, along with Maharashtra Additional Chief Secretary Umesh Chandra Sarangi, both of whom are known to Mr. Hazare, have been roped in by the government to initiate back-room negotiations to end the fast by 73-year-old Hazare demanding a strong Lokpal.
Describing his meeting with Mr. Hazare as “family talks”, Mr. Maharaj said he was studying both the government and the civil society’s drafts of the Lokpal Bill. There was some communication gap between the two sides, he said and expressed hope that the differences of opinion can be sorted out.
“The question is how much conditions are going to be acceptable (to the two sides)... Now things are going that way and dialogue can be started on those grounds on which there are objections from Anna and what government can accept,” he said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Mr. Sarangi held two rounds of talks with Mr. Hazare since Saturday while Mr. Maharaj joined the official on Sunday during discussions.
Mr. Sarangi has a good rapport with Mr. Hazare, having handled several such situations in Maharashtra under former Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh when he had either gone on fast or threatened to do so.