I have faith in Parliament, but pressure is necessary: Anna

Anti-corruption campaigner Anna Hazare on Friday reiterated that he had faith in Parliament, but said pressure must be mounted on it to pass a strong Lokpal Bill.

Addressing journalists at his village of Ralegan Siddhi, he said Team Anna and volunteers of India Against Corruption would stage dharnas outside the houses of members of Parliament to step up pressure. “I have faith in Parliament. But putting pressure is necessary. The government should see that people across the country are demanding a strong Lokpal Bill,” he said.

Everywhere he went there were thousands of people supporting him, he said. “This is the voice of the people. The government should realise that.”

Mr. Hazare said that along with him, all key members of Team Anna, including Arvind Kejriwal and Kiran Bedi, would participate in the three-day fast to be held in Mumbai from December 27. “Arvind and Kiran Bedi will come to Mumbai. There will be two groups. One will fast in Mumbai, and the other in Delhi.”

Earlier in the day, when the venue was not decided, Mr. Hazare said the government was purposely “creating obstacles.”

Mr. Hazare later said the agitation would be held on the MMRDA ground in Mumbai. Using the ground would cost Team Anna Rs. 7 lakh. “There are many donors who have come forward to help us.”