If denied permission, will protest in jail: Anna Hazare

Urging citizens to come out on the streets in support of their protest for a week from August 16, anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare expressed his firm resolve to fight for a strong Lokpal bill, in city on Tuesday. HT reports.

Urging citizens to come out on the streets in support of their protest for a week from August 16, anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare expressed his firm resolve to fight for a strong Lokpal bill, in city on Tuesday.

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Addressing the media, along with social activist Arvind Kejariwal, Hazare stated that the denial of permission notwithstanding, there would be no change in his planned protest. “If I am not granted the permission to protest in Delhi, I will protest in jail,” said Hazare.

Moreover, the duo requested citizens to switch off the lights for one hour from 8pm-9pm on August 15, as mark of support for the campaign.

“I appeal to the citizens to keep the lights off on August 15 for during the stipulated hour as mark of support for the Jan Lokpal bill campaign. Besides, I request all to devote one week for the nation. All of us should take leave for a week from our work and come out on the streets to demand a strong Lokpal bill,” said Kejariwal.

The parliamentary standing committee has called the civil society group to present their draft on Wednesday.

“We will hold a presentation of our draft for the standing committee. Our only demand is that the current government bill should be withdrawn and a strong Lokpal bill should be passed in the Parliament,” said Kejariwal.

Over 80 associations, unions and NGOs including the Mumbai tiffin box supplier’s association, Bombay metal association, Confederation of All India Traders and Federation of Retail, Bharat Merchant Chambers, Lions Club International, Art of Living have pledged their support to the movement.

“We will participate in the campaign on August 16. Since 120 years, we have been regularly providing the tiffin service without a day’s break. However, now we request our 2lakh customers to co-operate with us by not asking for tiffins on August 16,” said Sopan Mare, president, Mumbai tiffin box supplier’s association.