On a day when the passage of the Lokpal Bill was delayed further, anti-graft crusader Anna Hazare hit out at the government yet again, questioning its sincerity. Mr. Hazare has been fighting for a strong Lokpal Bill since April 2011. On Monday, the Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill was referred to a Select Committee of the Rajya Sabha, which will give its report in three months.
“The Bill was brought for discussion on the last day of the session. This makes us think if the government is trying to mislead and cheat people,” Mr. Hazare said, speaking to a regional news channel. “People can no longer trust the government. It has been 42 years, and the Bill is still pending,” he stated. “The government isn't intent on bringing the Bill,” he said.
Focus on polls
Reiterating that the power now rests with the people, Mr. Hazare said that he would concentrate on the 2014 elections. “I will return to Ramlila Maidan, and people will be on the streets once again. We will tell the politicians, either get Lokpal or step down,” he said.
Fast on July 25
He said Team Anna members Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodiya will go on a fast on July 25 for the “purification of the government.”
“We have proof of corruption against 14 of the 34 Ministers. The fast will be to pressurise the government to purify itself. We will give them six months' time,” he stated. Mr. Hazare, however, won't participate in the fast, and will assume the role of a mentor.
