Confusion prevails over Hazare's protest plans

Confusion prevailed over Anna Hazare's protest plans today with a prominent MCD functionary saying that the civic body has not given permission for the agitation at Ramlila Maidan even as Team Anna insisted that they have got the nod.

MCD Standing Committee Chairman Yogender Chandolia said no permission has been given to Hazare for using the Ramlila Maidan for his protest next month.

Team Anna said Hazare will lead the protest in Delhi if a strong Lokpal Bill is not passed in the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament.

"No permission has been given yet," Chandolia, a senior local BJP leader, said when asked about claims by Team Anna that they have been given permission to use the Maidan from December 27 to January five for the protest.

However, a senior MCD official said permission has not been denied. "But permission has also not been given. We have received an application from Team Anna saying that they want to book the Maidan.

"They said they want the ground after the Winter Session. No dates were mentioned. We told them that we have to see the bookings. Now we are looking into it. We there are no bookings, they may get it," the official said.

Prominent Team Anna member Manish Sisodia said, "We have sought permission from MCD from December 27 and we have been granted permission to use the ground till January five."

Team Anna sources said they have the permission from the MCD "subject to an NoC" from Delhi Police.

"The dates have been blocked. The permission is subject to an NoC from police. We have a written commitment from the MCD in this regard," the sources said.