Anna Hazare to end fast on Saturday, 9 April at 10 am?
By: Eugene Moodubelle
Bellevision Media Network
New Delhi, 8 April, 2011: Anna Hazare who had been on fast since 5 April 2011 to pressurise the government to agree to a joint committee to draft the Lok Pal Bill, finally agreed to break his fast on Saturday, 9 April at 10 am as the government agreed to his proposal and assured to issue a proper government notification. The joint drafting committee will consist of fifty percent of the government personnel and fifty percent from the civil society. While Pranob Mukherjee will be the Chairperson from the government.
The Union Cabinet Minister, Kapil Sibal, speaking to the media persons at around 10 pm on Friday, 8 April said that the government has decided to end the uncertainty and issue the necessary notification soon. He also said that whatever is to be done regarding the Lok Pal Bill will be done by 30 June 2011.
On receiving the news of the acceptance of his demands by the government, Anna Hazare who had been on fast unto death since four days said that he will end the fast at 10 am hoping that the government will issue the notification by that time. He further said that it is the victory of India and that of the Indian people.
Besides the five government nominees there will be five representatives from the civil society on the joint drafting committee to draft the Lok Pal Bill. Shanti Bhushan will be the co-chairperson and other four members would include: Anna Hazare, Justice Santosh Hegde, Arvind Kejariwala and Prashant Bhushan.
The anti-corruption movement and the demand for enacting the Lok Pal Bill spearheaded by Anna Hazare had galvanized the entire Indian nation as young students, youth, middle aged, elderly persons, professionals and all those who were fed up with corruption among the politicians and officials joined the movement as demonstrations were held in all the major cities and towns of the country. Many people even joined Anna Hazare in his fast. There has been candle light vigil in Jantar mantar and India Gate at delhi and in other cities. Indians living in different parts of the world showed their solidarity with the movement against corruption. Anna Hazare fired the imagination of the Indians, especially the youth who came out in large numbers to support him in his fight for the Lok Pal Bill. Within four days, Anna Hazare became a household name and even small schoolgoing children began to invoke his name.
As the government agreed to practically all the demands of Anna Hazare, it is likely that Anna Hazare will break his fast on Saturday, 9 April 2011 at 10 am and history will be made as Anna Hazare the ‘Second Gandhi’ of India has proved that with Gandhian ways victories can be achieved and the ‘Second Freedom Struggle’ of India will hope to free the country from the shackles of corruption. Will that day come....?
Comments on this Article | |
Philip Mudartha, Qatar | Sat, April-9-2011, 1:55 |
The "Anthyodaya Andolan" of Jaya Prakash Narayan (JP) had taken a wrong turn that eventually led to imposition of Emergency by then PM, Mr. Indira Gandhi. This "Jan Lok Pal Act Campaign" tasted its first success. However, will our emotional outbursts of solidarity and support mean anything until and unless when we are faced with the choice of paying a bribe or not to get any sarkari job done? Do we need a Anna Hazare if our Village Accountant discharges his duties diligently in issuing official documentation and not after demanding his chai paani ? Do we need Anna HAzare if the block and DC office are packed with ordinary people like us, but who turn out out to be crooks and thieves in their roles as record clerks, revenue officers, and their superiors? Paying lip service is easy..that done, let us hope the battle ends with final victory over corrupt and corruption. | |
Benedict Noronha, Udupi | Fri, April-8-2011, 10:50 |
It was a nationwide fight. At Udupi under the initiative of Balakedhaarara vedhike protest Dharna was held from 10-00 to 12-00 and Memorandum was sent through D.C. Udupi. Several associations represented by Leaders were present and expressed support. I wa present and I represented the thousands of voiceless strength less citizen of Udupi, un organized sector who suffer under the corruption fire. It was a success and by the time our voice reaced Delhi through media madam Sonia and Dr manamohan singh came out of their slumber on the subject and good move has taken place. Congratulations to Belle vision and also Dr Eugen for ably putting forth the matter in the Media. Let us see what the Committee and Government do? The fight is , as Dr Kiran bedi has said, is halted and not ended. It is necessary that rural people must be evoked to fight against corruption from the root level offices like village Panchayath, Mescom, Taluk Offices etc. None should offer bribe for doing work in the offices. Now the Salalries are improved in all work places. The peasants only do not get the worth for thier labour. This move will help them to survive with their meagre means. |