Burn govt's version of Lokpal Bill: Anna Hazare

Social activist Anna Hazare and his supporters on Thursday burned copies of government's version of the Lokpal Bill in Ralegaon Siddhi in Maharashtra. The Lokpal Bill was tabled in the Parliament on Thursday.  N Ganesh reports.

"This government has lied, and cheated us. They had said earlier that both (the Joint Drafting Committee's and the government's) drafts would be tabled before the cabinet. However, they have tabled their own draft," he said.

"I want people to burn this version, since this bill won't stop or end corruption," he added.

"My last fast scared the government. If I had continued the fast for three more days, the government would have collapsed. If I had known that that they would go back on their word, I would not have ended my fast," he said.

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He however hastily added that he didn't want the government to collapse, because "the next one would be the same'.  He said that the intention was to change the 'system and not bring the government down'.

"This government doesn't want to end corruption; it doesn't want to end injustice. It is difficult for people to survive in such a scenario. Hence they have brought in a weak Lok Pal Bill," he said

Asking people to emulate freedom fighters such as Bhagat Singh, Sukhdeo and Rajguru, Hazare said, "Remember these people. Evile while they were about to be hanged, they shouted Vande Mataram. They sacrificed their lives for the country. I have also decided to end my life for the country in a similar way," said Hazare.

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He added that the government would have to bend eventually, since the JAC's version was drafted by the people.

"We would go on a fast on August 16. I appeal to the people to undertake similar programmes in every village, taluka, district and state," he said.

"After fasting we would go on a Jail Bharo Andolan. Let's see which jail can accommodate all the people of the country," said Hazare.