Support swells for Anna Hazare as his fast enters fourth day - Hindustan Times
Anna Hazare is one of India's well-acclaimed social activists. A former soldier in the Indian army, Anna is well known and respected for upgrading the ecology and economy of the village of Ralegan Siddhi which is located in the drought prone Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra state. The erstwhile barren village has metamorphosed into a unique model of rural development due to its effective water conservation methods, which made the villagers self-sufficient. Earlier, the same village witnessed alcoholism, utter poverty and migration to urban slums. Inspired by Hazare’s unique approach of salvaging a hopeless village, the state government has implemented the `Model Village’ scheme as part of its official strategy. Hazare is now synonymous with rural development in India.
The third round of talks between the government and the Anna Hazare's representatives Swami Agnivesh and Arvind Kejriwal will take place on Friday after two rounds of talks on Thursday failed to end the deadlock. The Centre has already agreed to form a joint committee to draft a new Bill, besides accepting the demand that the committee would have an equal number of representatives from the government and civil society.
There was, however, no consensus on who would head it and whether an official notification should be issued on the formation of the committee.
Meanwhile, veteran activist Anna Hazare's fast-unto-death enterd the fourth day today as the support for his agitation grew all over the country.
Earlier, Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday appealed to Anna Hazare to end his fast, demanding a joint committee to draft a strong Lokpal Bill.
Gandhi stepped in and issued a statement, saying she was pained by Hazare's indefinite fast.
"The issues he has raised are of grave public concern. There can be no two views on the urgent necessity of combating graft and corruption in public life."
Virtually endorsing Hazare's demand for a stronger Bill to check corruption in high places, Gandhi said, "I believe that the laws in these matters must be effective and must deliver the desired results."
Hazare thanked Gandhi for her concern, but did not say anything on ending his fast.
"Please tell the UPA government to pass the Lokpal Bill at the earliest," he said.
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| I support Anna's Thought |
The third round of talks between the government and the Anna Hazare's representatives Swami Agnivesh and Arvind Kejriwal will take place on Friday after two rounds of talks on Thursday failed to end the deadlock. The Centre has already agreed to form a joint committee to draft a new Bill, besides accepting the demand that the committee would have an equal number of representatives from the government and civil society.
There was, however, no consensus on who would head it and whether an official notification should be issued on the formation of the committee.
Meanwhile, veteran activist Anna Hazare's fast-unto-death enterd the fourth day today as the support for his agitation grew all over the country.
Earlier, Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday appealed to Anna Hazare to end his fast, demanding a joint committee to draft a strong Lokpal Bill.
Gandhi stepped in and issued a statement, saying she was pained by Hazare's indefinite fast.
"The issues he has raised are of grave public concern. There can be no two views on the urgent necessity of combating graft and corruption in public life."
Virtually endorsing Hazare's demand for a stronger Bill to check corruption in high places, Gandhi said, "I believe that the laws in these matters must be effective and must deliver the desired results."
Hazare thanked Gandhi for her concern, but did not say anything on ending his fast.
"Please tell the UPA government to pass the Lokpal Bill at the earliest," he said.
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