Swami Agnivesh with Anna Hazare (second from left)
Swami Agnivesh (URI trustee) will continue with his decision to go on an indefinite fast with Social activist Anna Hazare from April 5 for a strong Lokpal (ombudsman) Bill, as the government has refused to include the views of civil society on the legislation, an NGO said on Monday.
The India Against Corruption (IAC) NGO that includes several eminent activists including Arvind Kejriwal, Kiran Bedi, Swami Agnivesh, and several others, said no conclusion was reached after a meeting with members of the sub-committee on the Lokpal Bill headed by by defence minister AK Antony.
Bolstered by growing support from citizens, who are turning up in large numbers at Jantar Mantar here in New Delhi, India, anti-corruption campaigner Anna Hazare, on the second day of his fast, stuck to his demand for a joint committee to draft the Lokpal Bill.
Meanwhile, over 150 people including Gandhians, students, retired citizens and social activists have joined Mr. Hazare in his hunger strike. A team comprising a doctor and paramedical staff is present at the venue full time. On the second day of the fast, a few persons had to be administered intravenous fluids after they collapsed.
“This is the next struggle for our independence. Even though the British have left, only the colour of the rulers' skin has changed, nothing else has,” said Mr. Hazare, who also drew parallels between his struggle and Jayaprakash Narayan's call for a “Total Revolution” in the 1970s. He urged people to shed their political loyalties and join the anti-corruption campaign.
This is a true example of Indian social activist and all peacebuilder will bring a corruption free and peaceful society.
In peace
Biswadeb
