Daijiworld Media Network—New Delhi

New Delhi, Jun 26: In all likelihood, anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare will go ahead with his fast on August 16, as scheduled, given the deadlock between the civil society and the government over certain key points in the Lokpal Bill draft that doesn't seem to be anywhere near resolving. 

Though August 16 is more than a month-and-a-half away, the Anna Hazare camp is already preparing the ground for the fast. Moreover, Congress has decided not to bow to any demand of Anna Hazare and to instead go ahead with its own draft of the Lokpal Bill. Given this situation, Hazare’s ‘Fast No 2’ on August 16 is inevitable.

On the other hand, Ramdev who disappeared after he failed to impress through his fast is now back in business. Though he claimed that he has no connection with the BJP or RSS, not many people are going to believe him now, including Hazare and team.

He has shown his will to join Hazare in the August 16 fast. But a few people including Kiran Bedi, reportedly, strongly objected to Ramdev joining Hazare in the fast. Some are of the opinion that his connection with the RSS could lessen the impact of the Anna Hazare fast. Since the government had strongly criticized Ramdev for his connection with the RSS and also did not spare Hazare and alleged that his movement too was inspired by the RSS and BJP, the Hazare team wants to be more cautious and ensure that the second 'movement' does not go in vain.

But who will convince Ramdev? It is learn that, when Ramdev expressed his willingness to join the fast, Hazare personally told him that he would sit and discuss the matter in coming days.

Experts opine that not allowing Ramdev to join the Hazare camp could divide India's ambitious 'anti-corruption' movement and it could be advantageous to the government to proceed with the Lokpal draft as per their clauses !