Replying to the debate on Prime minister’s statement, Mr Chidambaram expressed hope that a way forward will be found out. The Home Minister made it clear that government is not against any democratic protest but passing of the legislations is the right of parliament. He said, Anna Hazare has every right to protest but subject to certain conditions. Dismissing opposition charges that government had a role in denying Anna Hazare permission to fast; Mr Chidambaram said that the group has the right to move to the court if the conditions laid down are not agreeable to them.
He strongly denied the opposition charges that it was not consulted before setting up of the joint drafting committee on the Lokpal and later tabling the bill before Parliament.