Anna sets May as 'deadline' for UPA to pass Lok Pal bill
Gadag, Karnataka, Mar 12: Gandhian and crusader against corruption Anna Hazare today set the month of May as the deadline for the UPA government to pass the Lokpall Bill in Parliament and accused Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram of having 'no intent' to ensure an early passage to the anti-graft statute.
Addressing a public rally at Vidyadan Samiti High School grounds here, he said if the union government failed to do so by May, he would launch an agitation.
"Mr Chidambaram has no interest in passing the bill. In fact the whole UPA government is not interested in it. As a result, corruption is getting out of bounds and politicians and top government officials are taking advantage of it," he stated.
Mr Hazare said the common voter should take note of this 'apathy' on part of the politicians and understand this 'cheating' when going to the polling booth next.
"If the Lok Pal bill is implemented, these corrupt persons will be reigned in and ordinary people will be benefited. If it comes through, corrupt people will not be spared. This is the reason why politicians are not interested in it," he said.
The Gandhian regretted that elections at all levels have become out of bounds for common people who want to serve the society. Only those having money power were winning elections. "People should understand this. If the Lok Pal becomes a reality, then the corrupt will have no chance to win an election," he said.
He said corrupt politicians and officials made huge fortune for themselves, for their family or on 'benami' names. All this ill-gotten wealth should be confiscated, he demanded.
"Using the law, social justice and 'dharma', social change can be brought about. To do this people, especially the youth, of this country should be prepared. Otherwise the corrupt will continue to rule over us and this disease will remain uncured," Mr Hazare added.
Sri Siddeshwara Swamiji of Jhana Yogashram of Bijapur was present during the meeting.