Hunger strikes will not solve corruption problems: PM

New Delhi: With government facing attack
over multiple scams, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today
promised a strong Lokpal to end corruption in high places and
asserted that hunger strikes will not help address the
problem, in an apparent reference to Anna Hazare's agitation.

Addressing the nation for the eighth consecutive year on
the occasion of Independence Day, Singh said no government has
a 'magic wand' to deal with the problem of corruption which
needs to be tackled on many fronts and asked all political
parties to 'stand shoulder to shoulder' in this fight.
A day before Hazare was to embark on an indefinite fast
demanding a strong Lokpal, he made it clear that only
Parliament can decide what type of Lokpal legislation can be
enacted.

'I am aware of the differences of opinion on some aspects
of the bill. Those who don't agree with this bill can put
forward their views to Parliament, political parties and even
the press. However, I also believe they should not resort to
hunger strikes and fasts-unto-death,' Singh said.
Acknowledging that corruption is a big obstacle in
national transformation, he said the menace should be
discussed in a manner that should not create an atmosphere in
which country's progress comes into question.
He also admitted that funds meant for welfare of common
man end up in the pockets of government officials.
Speaking from a bullet-proof enclosure amid rains, the
Prime Minister touched on a variety of subjects including the
sensitive land acquisition issue, naxalism, terrorism, economy
and inflation.
Unlike in the past, foreign policy issues found no
mention in his 40-minute speech on the 65th Independence Day
from the historic 17th century Mughal monument of Red Fort.