Hazare to extend Lokpal deadline, says aide

Pathare says Mr Hazare will go back to Ramlila Maidan if Jan Lokpal is not enacted by 2014.

NEW DELHI 28/08/2011: Anna Hazare addressing breaking his fast with coconut water and honey offered by childrens .during Anti Corruption Protest at Ramlila Ground,in New Delhi on August 28,2011. Photo:Sandeep Saxena

Anna Hazare on Monday appeared to be extending the deadline for the passage of a strong Lokpal Bill to next general elections in 2014 and threatened to return to Ramlila Maidan in Delhi if that does not happen.

He said he would begin his countrywide tour after two months to campaign for an “effective” Lokpal Bill.

“I will start my countrywide tour after two months and awaken the people. Jan Lokpal by 2014. If it does not come, then back to Ramlila Maidan,” Mr. Hazare was quoted as saying by his close aide Suresh Pathare.

“I will not go to government for getting the Jan Lokpal Bill. The decision has been left to the people,” Mr. Pathare quoted Hazare as saying on twitter.

Mr. Pathare said Mr. Hazare was of the view that a strong Lokpal Bill has to be enacted before the next general elections.

The 74-year-old Hazare had announced postponement of his agitation and proposed countrywide tour in December last year on health ground.

He had been saying that he would tour the country till 2014 when general elections are due and talk to the people about the alleged betrayal of the government by not passing an “effective” Lokpal Bill.