Anna tells Chennai to jail bharo as he vows December 27 protest
Casting doubts on government's intentions over Lokpal bill, Anna Hazare today accused it of repeatedly betraying his team and said he is firm with his agitation plan if an effective anti-graft legislation was not passed in the ongoing Winter session of Parliament.
Addressing a rally in Chennai, he alleged there has been repeated betrayals by the government despite assurances, 'which has made us sceptical about the passage of the bill'.
"I have removed six corrupt ministers. If it is passed, it is fine or else protests only. I will present flowers to the Prime Minister on December 27 if the bill is passed," Hazare, who has threatened to go on a fast from December 27, said.
Talking to reporters, he added that a year had passed since they started their campaign for an effective ombudsman. There should be no further delay.
"It is one year since we started our agitation, for three months they held meetings with five of our (Team Anna) members, but there has been no result," Hazare said.
"This is an insult to our country where Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev laid down their lives. ... this (passing Lokpal bill) is taking more time, and it is not good," he said.
He also made it clear there could be no compromise on bringing the CBI under Lokpal.
"We should ensure there is no space in jails on January 1," said Hazare, who is here to drum up support for his campaign for an effective anti-corruption bill.
Hazare, who arrived here from Bengaluru, said if the government does not awaken on its promise on Lokpal bill, then the jail bharo would be launched.
The 74-year-old Gandhian said there is nothing shameful in going to jail as national leaders have done so in the past for the sake of the country.
Speaking to reporters later, Hazare said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh 'is clean and straight forward, but cannot act due to remote controls, who consider themselves to be the Prime Minister'.
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