Hazare opposes Citizens Charter Bill, announces fast

Social activist Anna Hazare is planning a six-day agitation programme at the year-end, which would begin with a three-day fast. His grouse – the government is diluting the Lokpal with the Citizens Charter Bill. Team Anna ups ante | No suo moto action for lokpal: reports | CBI to be out of Lokpal purview | Uncertainty over Parl extension

Social activist Anna Hazare is planning a six-day agitation programme at the year-end, which would begin with a three-day fast. His grouse – the government is diluting the Lokpal with the Citizens Charter Bill.

Hazare is supposed to undertake a three-day fast in Mumbai from December 27. A nationwide jail bharo agitation is to be launched on December 30 and continue till January 1.

“What prompted the government to table a separate Citizens Charter bill, when it was supposed to be part of the Lokpal bill?” said Hazare. “The government is trying to fool the nation.”

HT Image

Earlier on Tuesday, Hazare said he had no objection to an extended Parliament session, but would insist on a strong Lokpal. The condemnation for the government came following a two-hour closed-door meeting with team member Arvind Kejriwal at Ralegan Siddhi.

The Citizens Charter bill, he said, has provisions for a public grievance officer, a designated officer, a state level officer and a central officer.

“Each step has a stipulated time of 30 days and one can approach the Lokpal only after he does not get justice,” he said. “Why the people are being forced to follow such a lengthy route instead of directly approaching the Lokpal?”

Accusing PM Manmohan Singh of insulting Parliament, he said he would campaign in the five states going to poll next year.