Anna adamant on fast if lokpal bill not 'proper'

In an attempt to keep up pressure on the government, Anna Hazare today said if the government does not come up with a "proper" lokpal bill draft, he will go ahead with the proposed fast.

In an attempt to keep up pressure on the government, Anna Hazare on Monday said if the government does not come up with a "proper" lokpal bill draft, he will go ahead with the proposed fast.

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Hazare said the good thing about Monday's meeting of the joint drafting committee on lokpal bill was the government's attitude of saying "no has turned to yes". "They told us that they will put our issues before Cabinet. Now it see to see what decision the Cabinet takes. We will give our draft tomorrow. Government's draft will also go before the Cabinet and rest of things will depend on Cabinet's decision. "If Lokpal is not drafted effectively, we will go ahead with our proposed agitation from August 16," he said.

He alleged that the government was not prepared to provide power to people through lokpal, it wants to retain power in its hand.

"Whether our second protest succeeds or not, I am not concerned. I believe in 'Karma' without any expectations. If the government go on with this attitude, they would not be cheating me but the country," he said.