The rally was organised by farmers’ body Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS). Around 15,000 people from all walks of life and different parts of the state had congregated to listen to Hazare. The KMSS has been vocal for long on the issue of corruption.
Social activist Anna Hazare was on Friday moved by the response which he got from people at an anti-corruption rally in Guwahati so much to proclaim he would move across the country to mobilise public support.
The rally was organised by farmers’ body Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS). Around 15,000 people from all walks of life and different parts of the state had congregated to listen to Hazare. The KMSS has been vocal for long on the issue of corruption.
“The energies which I am getting, I will go across the country and put the government in all sorts of trouble,” a resolute Hazare announced. He said he would next visit Gujarat and then Orissa and Karnataka.
“I am not afraid of going to jail nor am I afraid of dying. I had fought a war against Pakistan when I was in the army. I have now resolved to fight the foes within,” he said.
Equating his crusade with India’s freedom movement, Hazare said a strong legislation like the proposed Lokpal Bill could only eliminate corruption.
“When we launched the stir at Jantar Mantar (in Delhi), it had stolen the sleeps of the black Englishmen. We firmly believe the Lokpal Bill could put brakes on corruption,” Hazare told the people.
“A lot of people had lost their lives in the freedom movement but what we eventually got was not real freedom. The Whites had gone to be replaced by the Blacks,” Hazare said.
He also pledged to back the cause of Manipur’s ‘Iron Lady’ Irom Sharmila who has been on a fast-unto-death for over a decade now demanding the repeal of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958 from Manipur. Hazare was accompanied by co-activists Swami Agnivesh, Kiran Bedi, Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia.
Swami Agnivesh said it was movement of the people and so the people had to be awakened. This is what Hazare wants, he said.
“The government takes pride in 9.5% GDP. But the irony is the people are not the beneficiaries. Money is being looted and kept in the Swiss Bank,” Agnivesh said.
Brushing aside reports, he said Hazare had been firm on his demand that the Lokpal Bill be passed by August 15 next.
Kiran Bedi said Hazare was the present day Mahatma Gandhi and Akhil Gogoi, RTI activist and leader of KMSS, the Hazare of Assam. She said names such as Hazare and Kejriwal were synonymous with honesty.
“Democracy doesn’t mean we cast our votes once in every five years. We have to take account of every paisa spent (by government),” she said.
Kejriwal said their demand was that everyone including the prime minister and judges of high courts and the Supreme Court be brought under the purview of the Lokpal Bill.
“Today, if someone speaks against corruption he is killed. We want a Lokpal which can tackle corruption at all levels,” he added
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