India parliament edges toward corruption resolution

India’s parliament edged closer to an agreement on Saturday on an anti-corruption bill that could end a 12-day hunger strike by a social activist that has lead to widespread anger against Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s besieged government. The campaign to get the legislation passed by 74-year-old Anna Hazare has struck a chord with millions of Indians tired of endemic corruption, sparking nationwide protests and exposing the ruling Congress party as out-of-touch with voters. Lawmakers from the ruling Congress party and the main opposition agreed in principle to Hazare’s three key demands for the bill during a fractious special session of parliament, but cautioned that the legislation would take time to be resolved. Hazare has demanded that the bill includes bringing civil servants under a proposed corruption agency’s authority, ensures similar agencies at a state level and creates a citizen’s charter. The government has asked for a promise from Hazare that he will end his fast should they meet his demands.