Anti-graft crusader Anna Hazare and yoga guru Baba Ramdev on Tuesday launched a joint offensive against the government yet again, stating that it was in ‘no mood’ to create change in the country.
At a press conference here, the duo announced a plan to launch two agitations, for passing a strong Lokpal Bill and bringing back black money stashed away in foreign countries.
In two separate ‘andolans’ to be held on July 25 and August 9, the government will see people on the streets, asking for change, Mr. Ramdev said. “The atmosphere in the country is ripe for a change, but people are losing hope the government will bring it.”
“Aage ki ladhai mil kar ladhenge (The battle will now be fought together),” Mr. Hazare said. However, asked about the plan of action in the two agitations, the duo said the “agenda” would be decided in the days to come. “We will take advice from all the good people across the country and decide the plan of action,” Mr. Hazare said.
Reiterating his demand on bringing back money hoarded abroad, Mr. Ramdev said the government was not serious on addressing the issue. “Why is it scared? Is it because the government feels its own people will be caught?” he asked.
Mr. Hazare stated that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had taken no action against the 14 ministers with corruption charges.
Asked if he had met Union Law Minister Salman Khurshid to find a via media, Mr. Hazare said that he would answer the question at the ‘right time.’ There has been speculation that Mr. Hazare met the senior Congress politician without the knowledge of his team members. “Transparency should be practised at the right time. If not, I will be put in jail,” he said.
“We will take advice from all the good people across the country and decide the plan of action”
People are losing hope in the government: Ramdev
