Government's intention over Lokpal Bill not good: Anna Hazare

Anna Hazare again questioned the intention of the government in the implementation of the Lokpal Bill and charted out a programme of agitation for youths as a run-up to his proposed indefinite fast in Delhi from August 16. The government was opposing the draft amendments submitted by his team in an effort to dilute the authority of the anti-corruption ombudsman. Hazare said that an effort was made to defame the members of the civil society on the drafting of the Lokpal Bill and the government had activated its machinery to hound him. He also added that the intention of the government was not good and they lacked to take a sincere approach which was necessary for the implementation of the Lokpal Bill so as to curb the menace of corruption eating into the social fabric. Adressing a public function, Hazare asked the youth to conduct a 'prabhat pheris' in the morning and candle light marches in the evening from August 11, culminating into an hour long switching off electricity from 8 pm to 9 pm on the Independence Day (August 15)  to create a "positive atmosphere" in addition to the fast unto death for a strong Lokpal Bill from August 16. Hazare addressed to thousands of people to raise the slogan of "Bharat Matha Ki Jai" and "Inquilab Zindabad" and also to carry the tricolour flag on their shoulders  during the procession from August 11. He again added that the government was not afaid of Anna Hazare but was afraid of the power of the people behind him, which is supreme. Kiran Bedi also supported Anna Hazare in his activities and asked the people to give their whole hearted co-operation and support for the successful implementationof the Lokpal bill. Reported by        AR