Social activist Anna Hazare on Tuesday said he would tour the five poll-bound States after the winter session of Parliament and appeal to the people not to vote for corrupt politicians, though he would not name any party.
In a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Mr. Hazare said he would be forced to begin afresh a hunger strike if the government failed to keep its promise on Jan Lokpal Bill. He reminded Dr. Singh of his promise to bring in a strong Lokpal Bill in the winter session, which is scheduled to begin on November 22 and end on December 23.
“I ended my 12-day fast at the Ramlila Maidan after you gave me a written assurance through Vilasrao Deshmukh that a strong Jan Lokpal Bill will be introduced in the winter session. I will begin a hunger strike on the last day of the session if the Jan Lokpal Bill is not passed,” Mr. Hazare said.
To spread awareness
Chalking out the course of his agitation, he said his team would travel to various States to spread awareness about need for a strong Jan Lokpal Bill.
The Gandhian noted that he did not find it right that in spite of Dr. Singh's promises, some responsible people in the government and the Congress were casting doubts about introducing the Bill.
According to Mr. Hazare, 60 per cent of the corruption in the country could be tackled with the help of an effective Jan Lokpal Bill.
“Not even 10 paise in a rupee allotted is utilised for development. A strong Jan Lokpal Bill will ensure the utilisation of more funds for development work,” he said.
