Pawar gives into Hazare's demand, quits GoM on corruption

New Delhi, Apr 6 (ANI): Union Agriculture and Food Processing Industries Minister Sharad Pawar on Wednesday evening resigned from the Group of Ministers (GoM) meant to look into the amendments required in the Lokpal Bill.

The development came after veteran social activist Anna Hazare, who is continuing with his hunger strike demanding enactment of an anti-corruption bill to give wider powers to the Ombudsman, rejected Pawar's offer.

72-year-old Hazare criticizing the NCP leader said Pawar should quit his ministry anyway.

Pawar earlier today said he would be happy if he was relieved from the Group of Ministers (GoM) on corruption.

"I will be happy if you relieve me from all GoMs, including that GoM (on corruption)," said Pawar, while responding to Hazare's remarks about him.

Hazare, who entered the second day of his indefinite fast, had on Monday said: "A minister like Sharad Pawar, who is known for possessing large amounts of land in Maharashtra, is heading a committee that will draft the bill."

Pawar was a part of the ministerial panel, which is headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, and comprises Home Minister P Chidambaram, Defence Minister A K Antony, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee, Law Minister Veerappa Moily, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal, Chemicals and Fertiliser Minister M K Alagiri and Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal. (ANI)