Manmohan vows to support strong anti-corruption bill

This was his first comment on the Lokpal Bill after social activist Anna Hazare went on a hunger strike for a legislation which includes suggestions of civil society.Political parties must ensure that the Lokpal Bill is passed in Parliament, but it may take time to do this, said Singh. There is a dynamics in the legislative process, he said.Separately, Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi said the government wants a balanced Lokpal Bill and will listen to civil society for suggestions.Singhs statement may mark an appeal to Hazare, who has declared that he would not leave the Ramlila ground in Delhi till the demand for a stronger Lokpal Bill was met.Earlier, speaking from the Ramlila Maidan in the afternoon, activist Anna Hazare said that his fight will not end with the Lokpal but will extend to reforms in the election system as well.He also expressed his commitment to fight for farmers rights. He said that the government is acquiring land from the farmers and giving it to the builders. “Farmers are left high and dry.”He said that he would fight to bring a law that ensures permission of gram sabhas before land acquisition.