RALEGAN SIDDHI: As he gets ready to launch his indefinite hunger strike from tomorrow to demand a strong Lokpal, Anna Hazare today said people are angry with the UPA government over “uncontrolled corruption” which has been reflected in the results of the state Assembly polls.
“The results of four Assembly polls have shown that people are angry against the present ruling alliance headed by Congress, specially on uncontrolled corruption, not passing the Janlokpal Bill and basic issues affecting the common man,” Hazare told PTI.
The people have given a mature reaction (by way of poll results) for strengthening the democratic process, he said.
The social activist said that he will start an indefinite hunger strike from tomorrow for a strong Janlokpal Bill in front of Yadavbaba temple at his native Ralegan Siddhi village in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra.
Anna said he had received letters from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi of assurances of passing the anti-graft bill, but they have not done so.
The Centre lacks the will towards ending corruption in the country and time has come for the government to “act on its commitment or leave.”
Hazare said when the Prime Minister can pledge to get the communal violence bill passed in Parliament, why can’t he do the same for the much-delayed anti-graft law.
“The people of India want Janlokpal Bill, right to reject and competent gram sabhas in the country. The present UPA government is just showing sympathy, but not doing anything,” the social activist regretted. Hazare also criticized the Opposition parties and their leaders for not pursuing the Janlokpal Bill properly.
He congratulated Aam Aadmi Party and its president Arvind Kejriwal for a grand success at the beginning of its political stint in Delhi polls.
He appreciated Kejriwal’s stand of rejecting opportunistic politics and deciding to play the role of Opposition.
The AAP bagged 28 seats in the 70-member Delhi Assembly and Kejriwal has said his party will play the role of a constructive Opposition.
Hazare maintained his stand of not supporting any political party including AAP, but appreciated the latter’s efforts of bringing change in the present political culture.
The anti-graft crusader said he will be happy to receive the support of AAP or any party to the Janlokpal movement in their own way, but will not share dais with any political party. -PTI
