Congress girds up to face Anna onslaught

The Congress today closed ranks to defend itself from the sustained attack of 'team Anna', led by anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare, with a cabinet meeting scheduled for Tuesday to discuss the issue.

Agriculture minister and Nationalist Congress Party leader Sharad Pawar noted today that even opposition parties participating in Hazare's Sunday fast had asserted that Parliament is supreme.

"Good that all political parties at Jantar Mantar emphasised the importance of Parliament. We cannot overlook Parliament," Pawar said.

Asked about his views on the Jan Lokpal bill being advocated by team Anna, Pawar said everyone has the right to give views and if someone makes a good suggestion, it is welcome. "But Parliament is the place for final discussions and decision."

Prime Minister Manmhohan Singh is expected to chair a meeting of United Progressive Front constituents on Wednesday, having just returned from a visit to Russia.

Congress leader Digvijaya Singh said, "The Congress party is totally supportive of a strong and effective lokpal, and therefore the prime minister himself has called an all-party meeting. He's meeting the allies today and tomorrow."