Team Anna sticks to claims as PM hits back strongly

Mangalore Today / CNN-IBN

New Delhi, May 30: As Prime Minister Manmohan Singh gave his strongest response yet to allegations, Team Anna stood by its allegations saying that even as the Prime Minister himself may be honest but he allowed ministers under him to loot the country.

The Prime Minister hit back strongly on Team Anna’s allegations. Speaking aboard his plane as he returned from Myanmar, the Prime Minister staked his pride and said that he would give up public life if the allegations against him are proved.

 

 

It’s the inclusion of the Prime Minister’s name for the first time in Team Anna’s list of corrupt in the UPA, which has evoked a strong reaction from the Prime Minister.

"I will give up my public life if allegations are proved against me. My long public career as Finance Minister, as Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and now as Prime Minister has been an open book, Manmohan Singh said.

Team Anna stood by the allegations which they said are borne out by a CAG draft report which suggested irregularities in allocation of coal blocks, when the Prime Minister briefly held the coal portfolio.

"I have made it clear that that the Prime Minister may not take bribes himself, but he is allowing his Cabinet ministers to loot the public exchequer," Team Anna member Prashant Bhushan said.

But it’s the ’shikhandi’ comment from Prashant Bhushan in reference to the Prime Minister, which has evoked the strongest criticism from political parties and even within Team Anna.

Justice Santosh Hegde said, "The word that has been used is not right, whether it was used against the PM or against any other individual."

Team Anna, meanwhile, insists that if the government means business, it should order a probe into the charges.

The Prime Minister was in a never before seen avatar of being combative. He himself wanted to answer questions on coal allegation. This is bound to increase the friction between the government and Team Anna.