Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Lokpal Bill: Anna Hazare leads torch rally in Mumbai


Mumbai:  Ahead of his proposed fast-unto-death in New Delhi on August 16, supporters of anti-graft crusader Anna Hazare held a torch rally in Mumbai on Tuesday demanding a strong Lokpal Bill. Thousands of Mumbaikars marched from Azad Maidan to August Kranti Maidan, shouting slogans in favour of the bill. 

Mr Hazare is opposed to the government's version of the Lokpal Bill that was introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 4. The bill, among several other crucial points, excludes the Prime Minister from its ambit, something that civil society activists led by Mr Hazare have been demanding.

Mr Hazare had, in April, led a week-long fast in the national capital demanding for the inclusion of civil society in framing of a strong Jan Lokpal Bill (Citizens' Ombudsman Bill) to fight corruption. His agitation galvanised thousands across the country, turning it into a modern-day mass movement. The government finally gave in to the Gandhian's demands. Thus, a Joint Drafting Committee was constituted for the Lokpal Bill that comprised five members from the government and five from the civil society led by Mr Hazare.

But after nine arduous meetings, at times confrontational, both parties were unable to arrive at a consensus over the broader points of the bill.


Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/lokpal-bill-anna-hazare-leads-torch-rally-in-mumbai-125585&cp

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