Singh calls APC on corruption

The anti-graft protests enter the second week of hunger strike.Prime Minister Manmohan Singhs government called an all-party meeting for Wednesday to discuss details of setting up an anti-corruption watchdog.The meeting announced Tuesday follows a week of protests drawing tens of thousands chanting support for activist Anna Hazare as he fasts to demand lawmakers create an ombudsman with authority over the judiciary and prime ministers office.Hazares fast has been criticized by some as undemocratic and verging on demagoguery. However, no one disputes Hazares essential message that corruption is harming India.The deadlock between the government and Indias anti-graft activist, Ann Hazare over the formulation of a strong and an effective Ombudsman Bill continues to persist, as his fast enters the eighth day on Tuesday.The opposition parties called for nationwide rallies this week and prompted the government of Premier Manmohan Singh to take tentative steps to open talks.Speaking about the health of Hazare, Manish Sisodia, and a close aide informed media persons that he had shed 600 grams of his weight and the doctors have said that his condition was stable.Look he (Anna Hazare) has not eaten anything since past seven days. He has become weak, but in the morning when doctors came for his check-up, his blood pressure was 124/82, his weight has decreased by 600 grams since yesterday and his current weight is now 66.4 kilograms. His pulse rate is 84. According to doctors his condition is stable although, he has become weak but he is not serious, said Sisodia.Hazares campaign has found resonance with millions of Indians, particularly the middle class tired of endemic bribes and a series of corruption scandals that have touched top politicians and businessmen in Asias third largest economy.Hazares supporters and the government have earlier said at the weekend they are open to talks, with Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh saying there was a lot of scope for give and take.