Dr Singh turns down Hazare's request

A fresh stand-off appears to be brewing between Anna Hazare and the government with the Gandhian seeking Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's intervention over the strict conditions imposed for his indefinite fast from August 16. But he was sternly told by the PM to approach the Delhi police.

In a late night response to Hazare, who rejected Delhi police's conditions to limit his protest to three days and 5,000 people, Dr Singh told the social activist that his grievances needed to be "addressed by the statutory authorities who have taken the decision".

"My office does not in any way get involved in the decision-making process," the prime minister said.

Hazare had accused the government of "deceit" as it was trying to impose conditions on his agitation and sought the intervention of the prime minister, asking him to "show courage" and protect his fundamental rights.

Dr Singh said, "The terms and conditions on which you are entitled to carry on with your protest are decided by the statutory authorities concerned taking into account the prevailing circumstances and other relevant factors".

The prime minister added, "We are all committed to the Constitution of India and to uphold it in both letter and spirit".