Ralegan Siddhi:
Social activist Anna Hazare has slammed the government over the Standing Committee's flip-flops on the inclusion of lower bureaucracy under the ambit of Lokpal. The issue has been a major sticking point with members of the civil society, who are threatening to launch another mass agitation if all their demands on the issue are not met.
Here are the highlights of his speech:
- The poor of this country is associated with class III, IV. If they are excluded: PM: We agree with the need for a Lokpal Bill, and now they are not including class III,IV
- Later, PM wrote: We have a common objecting - to finish, reduce corruption. There could be difference in the means but our difference is not wide. So why are they excluding class III & IV?
- After my fast PM wrote to me about including lower class government employees within ambit. This was even passed in Parliament- one copy was sent to standing committee chairman
- I think government lacks co-ordination. Why did they have to change decision already taken?
- I am assuming Rahul Gandhi must have said something. Where there's smoke, there is fire.
- Lokpal should be completely autonomous.
- So many parties are opposed to FDI, yet the government is adamant
- I think the govt does not want to bring the Lokpal, and that is why this stand-off
- I will fast from December 27. I have permission for 8 days
- I will then tour the 5 states going to polls
- I will tell the people how they are being conned by the government
- This is not my voice. Why does the govt not realise this is the voice of the people?
- If they do not heed to the people's voice, the people will teach them a lesson