Team Anna says 4 demands are 'non-negotiable'

Hours ahead of the three-day fast for a strong Lokpal, Team Anna today cited four "non- negotiable" demands, including providing an independent probe agency for the ombudsman, to resolve the issue and said they could call off their 'jail bharo' agitation if government agrees to their version.

Team Anna member Prashant Bhushan said a three-day relay fast, led by Shanti Bhushan, will be held at Ramlila Maidan from tomorrow between 10 AM and 6 PM to support Hazare who will be on hunger strike in Mumbai.

"In the open letter to the Prime Minister and MPs, Team Anna has asked for four changes, which are non-negotiable... for other changes we can continue our fight later," he said.

The demands were Lokpal and Lokayuktas should have power to suo moto initiate their own investigations, the obmudsman should be able to carry out independent probe, selection of Lokpal should be through consensus of selection panel and bringing lower bureaucracy under direct control of Lokpal.

"If Lokpal has an independent investigative wing, the government can keep control over CBI," he told reporters.

On the selection of the Lokpal, Bhushan said it should be through the consensus of the selection panel and not as suggested in the Government's version of the Bill, and the Lokpal's removal should be independent of government's control.

"Anna will arrive in Delhi on December 30 for dharna outside an MP's house...it could be Sonia Gandhi or Rahul Gandhi as that can be decided...It will depend on what transpires in Parliament. If there are indications that Parliament or the government is ready for amendments then there will be no need for it (dharna)," he said.