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Social activist Mr Anna Hazare and his supporters burnt copies of the ‘Government's version' of the draft Lokpal Bill across the National Capital Region (NCR). The protest action followed the introduction of the Bill in Parliament on Thursday.
In his home town Ralegaon Sidhi, Mr Hazare said, the Bill in its present form was “anti-poor, anti-Dalit,” and reiterated his decision to go on fast from August 16 “till a strong law is brought in.”
Accusing the Government of cheating, Mr Hazare said “At the protest from August 16, I am not going to withdraw my fast on some assurances. What we need is a strong Bill.” However, he clarified that his protest was not to change the Government but the system.
In NCR, activists burnt copies of the draft Bill in Dwarka, Ghaziabad, Noida, and pockets in North, East and West Delhi.
In Ghaziabad, Mr Hazare's supporters Mr Arvind Kejriwal, Ms Kiran Bedi and Mr Prashant Bhushan countered suggestions that the Bill could be further debated in the Standing Committee of Parliament. Mr Kejriwal said, the panel could not alter or change the provisions, it could only give suggestions.
“Parliament has been given a fait accompli . This is an insult to the people and Parliament,” he added.
Mr Bhushan said, “The present Lokpal Bill will deter people who want to complain against corruption.”
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