Ralegan Siddhi, December 09: Anna Hazare Friday blamed Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi for the government’s weak version of the Lokpal bill and said in the present government, only Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was serious about the bill.
“Rahul Gandhi is behind this weak bill by the government because the prime minister gave me in writing and a resolution was also passed in parliament,” Hazare said.
“The prime minister seems to be serious about Lokpal, otherwise he would not have given it in writing after passing three resolutions in parliament,” he told television channels.
Hazare said that earlier most members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee had accepted the draft bill, but again some changes were made.
“Since Rahul Gandhi has spoken on the matter, we have no doubt that he is pressurising them. Rahul Gandhi does not want corruption to end from this country. If that happens, their powers will reduce,” Hazare said.
“Such a toothless draft would be a waste. Are you in power to serve us or to strengthen your stand? Even school kids can understand that the government is playing games,” he added.
Hazare slammed the government for not debating the civil society’s version of the bill and accused it of betraying the country. He also questioned the rationale behind bringing class C and D employees under the Central Vigilance Committee (CVC).
“The government is only debating their version of the bill… This means that they wanted to bring in their version of the bill only. The standing committee has betrayed the country,” said Hazare.
“Class III and IV employees will be brought under the CVC, which itself functions under the government. What purpose would it serve?” he added.
Hazare said that it was the poor who suffer the most at hands of corrupt lower level officers.
When asked about the recent spate in attacks on politicians, Hazare said the attacks will continue as people are livid with inflation and corruption.
“This (attacks) will continue and the people’s anger will rise further as they are frustrated with inflation and corruption,” he said.
Hazare also defended his team members Arvind Kejriwal and Kiran Bedi against allegations of irregularities. He dared the government to prove charges against them and punish them if they are found guilty.
Hazare reiterated his request to voters in seven states going to elect assemblies next year not to support the Congress.
–Agencies