Lokpal Bill: Anna starts 3-day fast; debate begins in Lok Sabha
Hazare boarded an open truck decorated like political 'rath' for the rally as several activists raised slogans and cheered him. Pics: Anna's 3 day fast
By Agencies | Updated:
MUMBAI: Anna Hazare on Tuesday began his three-day fast against the "weak" Lokpal Bill tabled by the government in Parliament. Several thousand people joined social crusader Anna Hazare as he started a rally from Juhu beach to the MMRDA ground in Bandra-Kurla Complex here.
In Lok Sabha Minister of State in the PMO, V Narayanswamy introduced the bill for discussion. Leader of Opposition, Sushma Swaraj said that the Lokpal Bill was a weak one and needed many changes. She said that the government's bill will not be able to fight corruption.
Sushma said, "Send Lokpal Bill again to Parliamentary Standing Committee for further discussion." She asked the government to accept BJP's amendments to improve Lokpal Bill or withdraw it.
RJD chief Lalu Prasad too sought withdrawal of Lokpal Bill, he said, "it has been brought in haste under pressure from Anna Hazare."
In Mumbai, Anna Hazare went to Juhu beach to pay his respects at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, signalling a symbolic start to his agitation. Surrounded by a posse of security personnel, he prayed at the Gandhi statue, and smiled and waved to his supporters.
Flanked by Team Anna members Kiran Bedi and Arvind Kejriwal, Hazare boarded an open truck decorated like a political 'rath' for the rally as several activists raised slogans in his name and cheered him.
The truck, led by a group of motorcyclists and many cars, besides hundreds of supporters walking in the morning chill, moved its way through the approximately 15-km route to the protest venue.
Anna, who claims inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi, has called his protest against corruption India's second freedom struggle and has fasted three times already to garner support for his demands.
Congress leader Digvijay Singh said it was an opportunity for MPs to show to the world that they are united in the fight against corruption even as he took a dig at Team Anna for "making" Anna Hazare fast when he is ill.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan said Anna should introspect if it is right to "pressurise" Parliament, whilst it is engaged in debating the bill.
Chavan said Hazare should have waited for another 2-3 days for Parliament to discuss the Bill and then gone ahead with his proposed fast.
In Lok Sabha Minister of State in the PMO, V Narayanswamy introduced the bill for discussion. Leader of Opposition, Sushma Swaraj said that the Lokpal Bill was a weak one and needed many changes. She said that the government's bill will not be able to fight corruption.
Sushma said, "Send Lokpal Bill again to Parliamentary Standing Committee for further discussion." She asked the government to accept BJP's amendments to improve Lokpal Bill or withdraw it.
RJD chief Lalu Prasad too sought withdrawal of Lokpal Bill, he said, "it has been brought in haste under pressure from Anna Hazare."
In Mumbai, Anna Hazare went to Juhu beach to pay his respects at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, signalling a symbolic start to his agitation. Surrounded by a posse of security personnel, he prayed at the Gandhi statue, and smiled and waved to his supporters.
Flanked by Team Anna members Kiran Bedi and Arvind Kejriwal, Hazare boarded an open truck decorated like a political 'rath' for the rally as several activists raised slogans in his name and cheered him.
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The truck, led by a group of motorcyclists and many cars, besides hundreds of supporters walking in the morning chill, moved its way through the approximately 15-km route to the protest venue.
Anna, who claims inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi, has called his protest against corruption India's second freedom struggle and has fasted three times already to garner support for his demands.
Congress leader Digvijay Singh said it was an opportunity for MPs to show to the world that they are united in the fight against corruption even as he took a dig at Team Anna for "making" Anna Hazare fast when he is ill.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan said Anna should introspect if it is right to "pressurise" Parliament, whilst it is engaged in debating the bill.
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Chavan said Hazare should have waited for another 2-3 days for Parliament to discuss the Bill and then gone ahead with his proposed fast.
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