Anna to Break Fast After Written Commitment: PM at All-party Meet
New Delhi, Aug 24 (IANS): Noting that Anna Hazare's failing health was a matter of "concern" for all, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Wednesday said the 74-year-old activist would end his fast if he got a written commitment on the key contentious issues.
"The fast of Anna Hazareji and his failing health are a matter of concern to all of us. Yesterday, I felt that I should take a personal initiative to appeal to Anna Hazareji to end his fast so that we may work together in a spirit of cooperative engagement to bring into existence a strong Lokpal," the prime minister said in his opening remarks at an all-party meet called to evolve a consensus on a strong Lokpal bill.
"If a written commitment can be given with timelines, then the (Team Anna) representatives said they can hopefully persuade Annaji to stop his fast," Singh added.
Team Anna has said that Hazare would end his fast only after the government withdraws its Lokpal bill and instead presents their version of the document (the Jan Lokpal bill), which advocates the inclusion of prime minister, judiciary and lower bureaucracy in its ambit.
"... we would like the standing committee to consider all points of view to evolve a broad based national consensus to create a strong institution of the Lokpal," the prime minister said.
Team Anna also wants parliament to discuss and pass the Lokpal bill in the current session.
On Wednesday, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal indicated that a special session could be called, if necessary, to pass the Lokpal bill and that the proceedings of the standing committee that is considering the measure could be expedited.
Hazare's fast entered the ninth day Wednesday. Doctors have expressed concern for his worsening health.
Want a strong, independent institution against graft: PM
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Wednesday said the government wants to build a "strong and independent institution" that deals effectively with corruption.
"Our common objective is to build a strong and independent institution that will deal effectively with corruption, which is a major challenge that confronts our democracy and our nation," the prime minister said in his opening remarks at an all-party meeting to thrash out the final draft of the Lokpal bill.
"Recent developments have raised issues, related to the functioning of our parliamentary democracy, that concern all of us," he added.
I won't give up even if I die: Anna Hazare
New Delhi, Aug 24 (IANS) Addressing thousands at the Ramlila Maidan Wednesday, a smiling but frail Anna Hazare said he will not give up his fast till the government meets all his demands for a strong anti-graft bill, even if it costs him his life.
"Till the government does not accept all my demands, I will not give up," said Hazare adding, "Even if I die, I don't care, but I'll fight till my life."
On the ninth day of his fast - a team of doctors has advised Anna to take drips and not to speak much - the social activist was full of energy as he addressed the gathering. He said instead he was fine as he is getting energy from the people supporting the cause.
"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 people.
Expressing his concern over the corruption which he said has grown even in villages, 74-year-old Hazare said, "It has become very difficult for the poor to live today just because of the corruption which has now spread its wings wide even in villages."
He added that for every small thing, poor people are forced to pay money to government officials, in order to get their work done.
"No work is done if money (bribe) is not given. How will they live," he asked.
In addition, he said the government was corrupt and did not want to pass a strong Lokpal bill.
"Yesterday, three people from our side went to talk to the government, but even today they don't have the intention of ending corruption," Hazare said.
Terming this as a 'chain of corruption', the activist said with a strong Lokpal bill being passed, the problem can be eradicated.
"If the Lokpal bill is passed, any complaint will be investigated and Lokpal will have powers enough to punish the culprit and even terminate their official duties," he said.
Hazare further said the nation which was once known as the Golden Bird has now become a Himalayan mountain of debt.
Empathizing with the problems of poor people, the activist said he has laid his life for the service of the poor in the country to whom nobody listens.
"Janta ki seva bhagwan ki puja hai (For me, serving the poor is like worshiping god)," Hazare said, adding he is sitting here also because he could not bear the pain the poor are going through.
Saying the government version of the Lokpal bill will not eradicate corruption at the state level, he said, "The Lokpal bill that you made was just for the central government. How will you eradicate the corruption at the state level? Like Lokpal, Lokayukta should be made at the state level and it should have all powers as that of Lokpal."
Hazare also spoke about a man setting himself ablaze in his support, saying such acts would not help their fight.
"People should not be disappointed. The fight against corruption is very long and this is just a beginning. We have to be strong enough and committing such acts will not eradicate corruption. It hurts me," said Hazare.