Taking forward the move to contest elections, social activist Anna Hazare on Sunday asked people to support them for providing a political alternative that would strive to fight corruption, and sought committed votes from six lakh gram sabhas.
Returning to blogging after he abruptly ended his fast last week, Mr. Hazare said people wanted an alternative. Gram sabhas, which were ‘supreme,’ should pass resolutions to this effect, besides ensuring that more than 90 per cent voters exercised their franchise in their favour.
“Gram sabhas are above Assemblies and Parliament. Therefore, we would want all the six lakh gram sabhas to pass a resolution that they want an alternative and will vote for this alternative. If such a resolution is passed, then we will be able to give an alternative,” he said adding that youth and students would tour villages to create awareness and get such resolutions passed.
Reiterating that personally he would not contest elections or form a party, Mr. Hazare said providing an alternative was “not an easy job,” but it was “not impossible.”
Money for alternative?
At the same time, he observed that crores of rupees were spent in elections, and wondered from where the money would come if they provided an alternative.
He would soon undertake a tour of the country to awaken people and find the right kind of candidates to go to Parliament.
“I feel people will welcome an alternative, as they are suffering the malaise of corruption that is deeply entrenched, with the government showing no signs of rooting it out,” he said.
For the better part of his blog entry, he criticised the government for its “betrayal” in bringing their version of the Jan Lokpal Bill in Parliament.
“Those who are ruling are so intoxicated by power and money that they will not provide corruption-free governance,” he noted.
