Anna trains guns on govt

Against a strict medical advice, a frail looking Anna addressed his supporters at Ramlila Maidan here on the ninth day of his fast on Wednesday. Amid slogans, he told them that he he would not give up till the government agrees to Jan Lokpal bill.

Apparently to mount pressure on the government,  Anna expressed his determination to continue with his fast. He emphasized how all the three issues which the government was unwilling to accept were important. He made it clear that he would not agree to a bill sans these points.

The anti-graft campaigner said it was essential that  entire bureaucracy including the lower one should be brought under the purview of Lokpal. He said states should have Lokayuktas on the lines of Lokpal in the Centre.

He wanted  the Lokpal to have powers to punish, dismiss, and impose penalty on erring officers.

Anna  reiterated his demand for citizen’s charter with provision for a time-limit for rendering service in government offices. He flayed strong and inflexible “chain of corruption” existing in the country. Addressing the anti-corruption protesters Hazare said, “Till the government does not accept all my demands, I will not give up. I do not care, even if I die.” “Yesterday, three people from our side went to talk to the government, but the government does not have the intention of eradicating corruption,” he charged.
The social activist asserted that he was fine and there was  no cause of worry. He describes  how he has lost some weight and the fast has slightly effected his kidney, but he feels fine.

“On the ninth day of fast, my health is totally fine. Only my weight has reduced by six kg. There is nothing to worry about...I am getting energy from you,”the activist told the gathering .

The determined anti-graft leader went on to tell how corruption is affecting poor people in villages. Hazare said, “It has become very difficult for the poor to live today. For every small thing from ration card to Kerosene oil, poor people are forced to bribe officials”.
 “No work is done if money is not given. How will they live,” he asked. He wanted to emphasise his secular credentials by appealing his supporters to maintain religious harmony and saying that  ‘all of us are one’.

Hazare said that serving people has been the real worship of God. He appealed to them to be united and do not fall prey to government’s policy of ‘divide and rule’. Anna also  lamented an attempt of suicide by a protester.