Sonia joins the Lokpal war, takes on Team Anna

New Delhi: Breaking her silence on Wednesday, Sonia Gandhi, who has skipped her first election rally in Uttarakhand due to fever, attacked both Team Anna and the BJP, asking them to introspect.

Saying that mere speeches don't end corruption, she took credit for the Government's progressive laws including the RTI and asked both Team Anna and the BJP what the noise about.

In a speech read out on her behalf, Sonia Gandhi said, "Corruption cannot end by pointing fingers at others. Everyone should introspect. It cannot end if some think their corruption is better than others. This is what is happening these days. I want to ask these people who gave the RTI? Who brought transparency in public life? We did. The NAC was set up by the Prime Minister and I am in it. The Lokpal Bill was first formulated here. The Prime Minister and the Government are committed to the Lokpal, so what's the noise about?"

On the issue of price rise, she said, "Inflation is a cause for concern. I understand government's compulsions but something should be done for people. Everyone can do their politics but concern for people should be most important."

Sonia Gandhi's attack comes in the backdrop of Team Anna's relentless attacks on the Congress. In fact the team held referendum in both Rahul and Sonia Gandhi's constituencies in Uttar Pradesh. Strategically, the Congress President needed to break her silence just ahead of the UP elections.

Sonia Gandhi's speech is significant both in timing and location. It comes ahead of the crucial assembly polls including that of Uttarakhand and also ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament. The focus of which would be whether or not the Government can come with the Lokpal Bill and whether Team Anna will be satisfied.

Hazare however retaliated by saying that the UPA must show by action and bring the Lokpal Bill soon.

"Where am I making the speeches? Just bring the Bill," said Anna Hazare.

Team Anna member Arvind Kejriwal said that the India Against Corruption welcomed the commitment of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi on the Lokpal. Kejriwal expressed hope that the Government would honour her commitment of getting a strong and effective Lokpal Bill during the Winter Session of Parliament.

However, taking on the UPA chairperson, he said that mere speeches would not be enough from the Government's side.

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