Won't end fast till Lokpal Bill is passed: Hazare

Fasting for early passage of Lokpal Bill, Anna Hazare today said he would end his fast only after the anti-corruption legislation is passed in both Houses of Parliament, and rubbished the Aam Aadmi Party's contention that it was weak.

Expressing satisfaction at the provisions of the amended Bill and thanking the government for it, he termed it as "good" for both the people and the society and hoped the Lokayuktas will also be set up soon in states to check corruption.

Taking a dig at Aam Aadmi Party, he said they should start a fresh agitation and fast to help remove shortcomings in the Bill, if they feel there are any.

"I have read the provisions of the bill properly. If you (Kejriwal) think the bill has any shortcomings, fast for it," Hazare, whose fast for passage of Jan Lokpal Bill entered sixth day today, said while talking to reporters here.

The anti-corruption crusader said he did not wish to die soon as he had many other issues to fight for.

"I won't end my fast till the Bill is passed...I do not want to die so soon. I want to live for the country and fight for the country, for the society. I have to fight for many things like the right to reject and right to recall," he announced at the Yadavbaba Temple at his village where he has been fasting since December 10.

Hazare said several of his expectations from the legislation have been met and hoped the remaining ones like setting up of Lokayuktas in the states and putting in place a Citizen's Charter will also be met soon.

Hoping that Lokpal Bill will be passed in both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha during the current session itself, Hazare suggested that the legislation be passed amid din or the session be extended, if required.

"I welcome the government's Bill. This Bill is in favour of the public. I am grateful that the government brought this Bill...I feel this is a good Bill. It will do good to the society and the public. That is why I have welcomed it," he said.