Social activist Anna Hazare and yoga guru Ramdev will jointly observe a day-long fast at Jantar Mantar here on June 3 to press their demand for a strong Lokpal and to mobilise opinion against black money.
Addressing a joint press conference at Gurgaon, they alleged that the government was scared of getting back black money stashed in safe havens abroad and of accepting the Jan Lokpal Bill drafted by members of India Against Corruption (IAC) movement.
Mr. Hazare said he had no intention of making the government fall, but “if a government fails to listen to people's voices and falls, it is not a matter of concern.”
Criticising the government draft of the Lokpal Bill, Mr. Hazare said it was “weak and ineffective.” In contrast, the Jan Lokpal Bill was strong and effective. “If the Jan Lokpal Bill were to come, half the Ministers would be in jail,” he added.
The government had formed a joint drafting panel last year with a few members of the IAC to arrive at an understanding on a draft Bill against corruption. The Jan Lokpal Bill was discussed but ultimately the government draft of Lokpal Bill was sent to Parliament and referred to the Standing Committee.
Team Anna had accused the government of “betrayal” for not sending its draft for consideration of Parliament as had been assured during joint drafting panel meetings.
The social activist said corruption was so deep-rooted that most of the development funds did not reach the target groups and this was impacting growth.
Seeking a Lokayukta Bill in Maharashtra, Mr. Hazare has said he will soon meet the Deputy Chief Minister of the State on the issue. From May 1, he will tour the entire State to “awaken people against corruption.”
Baba Ramdev declared his own plans to tour the country but said he and Mr. Hazare would join hands against corruption and black money and hold joint campaigns at some places.
“The present government has no right to rule. It can only happen in India that after so many corruption cases, the government continues to be in power,” he added.
