Anna leads ’Save Lokayukta’ rally in Bangalore

www.mangaloretoday.com

Bangalore, Dec 17, 2011: Intensifying his campaign for a strong Lokpal, Anna Hazare today asked the government to quit if it cannot bring a strong anti-corruption law, dismissing the draft of the legislation offered by it as "worthless".

 

 

Addressing a huge gathering at Freedom Park in Bangalore, the anti-corruption crusader said the government had become "blind and deaf" to the needs of the poor and was not helping them in their fight against corruption.

"Bring Lokpal or go away. What is the need for such a government (if it cannot bring a strong Lokpal)? This government has become blind and deaf," 74-year-old Anna said.

 

 

 

 

He alleged the government’s draft was "worthless" and what is needed is that a fresh "good, strong" bill is brought. "The draft is worthless. Bring a fresh bill. We had prepared a good bill. Government said why will they take a bill from outside? Are we outsiders?" he said.

He said the government had discussed "small" issues in the joint committee for drafting the Lokpal Bill and promised to bring two versions, one of the government and another of civil society, before the Union Cabinet.

"Our bill was not brought before the Cabinet. What a liar this government is? So, we had no option and go ahead with the agitation for a strong Lokpal," Anna, who will head to Chennai tomorrow to address a similar programme there, said.

Earlier in the day, Anna had shot off a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh saying doubts have arisen over whether Lokpal Bill will be passed by December 23 when the winter session of Parliament gets over and threatened to go ahead with his proposed fast and ’jail bharo’ agitation.

Besides Hazare, former Lokayukta Hegde and former Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Kiran Bedi, both prominent members of team Anna, and freedom fighter H.S. Doreswamy participated in the rally at Freedom Park.