Bangalore: Anna Hazare Threatens Fast-unto-death if Lokpal Bill Scuttled

From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore

Bangalore, May 27: Anti-graft crusader Anna Hazare, who awakened the conscience of India with his agitation against corruption and forced the Congress-led UPA regime to promise introduction of the Jan Lokpal Bill by August 15, has threatened to go on a fast-unto-death if the Centre did anything to scuttle the move.

''If the Jan Lokpal bill becomes a law, it will eradicate 60 to 70 per cent of corruption," he said before entering the city on a two-day public awareness campaign.

Anna Hazare, who addressed villagers who had assembled to receive him at Begur village in Bangalore rural district, said the proposed Lokpal Bill will lay the foundation and basic framework for total eradication of corruption.

Having undertaken an indefinite fast in Delhi’s Janatar Mantar grounds to press for anti-graft legislation last month, which received widespread support from a large cross-section of the public, Anna Hazare asked the villagers to be ready for a nationwide protest if Lokpal bill was not implemented.

The campaign against corruption, he said was like administering ''first aid if one gets hurt" and would be successful with the active support of the people.

It was necessary that right values were inculcated from childhood and this can be done most effectively by the womenfolk, he said.

Pointing out that he tried his best to realise the dream of Mahatma Gandhi for eradication of corruption and ensuring rural development by establishing a model village in his home state of Maharashtra, he said: ''My village had 40 places where arrack was manufactured 13 years ago, has none now. Nobody smokes or even partakes gutka in my village,’’ he said.

Despite leading a spartan life ''with no bank balance," the ex-Army man said he was healthy and very happy. ''How many crorepatis are blessed with such good fortune?," he asked .

''I live in a temple, have just a bed to sleep and a plate to eat. But I am very happy and content," he said adding: ''At the age of 76, I am agile and healthy as I have no vices."