Will be at Ramlila once LS poll announced: Anna Hazare

PART OF ANNA HAZARE's Maharashtra tour
Anna Hazare today( May 27, 2012) said if a strong Janlokpal Bill is not implemented he would again launch a massive movement in Delhi once the Lok Sabha elections are declared.
"The government does not want to create a corruption-free India. Which is why, the Lokpal Bill had not been passed despite being introduced eight times in the Lok Sabha. At least half of the number of ministers would have gone behind bars had the Bill been passed earlier," he said at a rally, organised as part of his ongoing Maharashtra TourHe further said "The year 2014 is like 'now or never' time. If a strong Lokpal does not come into existence till then, I will tour the country and will be there at the Ramlila grounds (in Delhi) once the Lok Sabha elections are announced,"

At rally He also accused Home Minister P Chidambaram of hatching a "conspiracy to foil his Lokpal stir" last year.

"Even 65 years after Independence, we still don't have water. Does he (Rahul) has the knowledge? He should do concrete work instead."  He said, criticizing recent visit  Rahul Gandhi to some drought-affected parts in Maharashtra

Hazare alleged there was huge corruption in defence deals as well. "If we are empowered to acquire information about the defence deals under RTI, huge amount of corruption would come to the fore," he said.

Source:http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/will-be-at-ramlila-once-ls-poll-announced-hazare_778060.html

Team Anna to fast from July 25

As soon as lokpal bill was once again referred to a parliamentary committee by Rajya Sabha, Team Anna accused government of betraying the people once again and delaying Lokpal Bill’s passage as well as announced another indefinite fast at Jantar Mantar from July 25.
However, Anna Hazare due to his poor health won't fast but will guide the team and only Team Anna members will fast this time. Anna will only  Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Gopal Rai and Akhil Gogoi  {Gogoi is already on hunger strike since May 19, in support of the anti-dam protests}  will sit on indefinite fast.

The decision about members of Team Anna sitting on indefinite fast has been taken because Anna is not in great shape after several fasts in last one year. So, it was decided that this time team would sit on fast. At present, it is confirmed that at least four members would sit on fast. The number can increase.“It doesn’t mean Anna would not be there. Anna would be there but he would only sit for the agitation. He would guide the team all along,” the source added.

The team would also be demanding a special independent investigation against 14 cabinet ministers of the Congress-led UPA-II, in the absence of an independent agency like Lokpal

Source:http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_team-anna-on-fast-from-july-25_1691995

Lokpal Bill tabled in Rajya Sabha, no consensus yet

Basic Three

1. The Lokpal bill was taken up for discussion in the Rajya  Today(  May 21 2012) two days before the budget session ends. 
2. Bill was referred to a parliamentary panel or Rajya Sabha panel for consideration as parties have failed to come to a consensus on the Bill's provisions.
3. Last night, the government had circulated a notice of amendment to the Bill, especially on the Lokayukta provision, leading to speculation that the measure could be brought for consideration and passage.(see side effects of this amendment ) 

Soon after the Bill was tabled, the Samajwadi Party moved a motion for referring it to the select committee. The BJP, however, objected to it.So The government later moved motion to refer the Bill to the select panel. Those who refereed bill to parliamentary pane commented that Bill should be referred because of lack of consensus over major issues like lokpal's dominance over the CBI etc.

Editor's View: We want to ask two things

1. Why the Bill is always discussed in the last days of a particular session? Last time  in winter season of parliament bill was discussed just three or two days before season's deadline. Similarly now too in budged season the bill is tabled just two days before it ends!
2. Why there is never a consensus over some issues which makes lokpal bill powerful?
   consensus will occur both Government, its allies and opposition will not hurdle the procedure. Hence, lack of consensus reveals that political class weather Govt or opposition don't want to pass this bill! 

The Bill was already sent to parliamentary panel and now again the same drama is being played, this will do nothing but delay the passage of bill to infinity! (also see Politicians are fooling Public over lokpal matter)

Source:http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Lokpal-Bill-tabled-in-Rajya-Sabha-no-consensus-yet/Article1-859162.aspx

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/no-consensus-lokpal-bill-referred-to-rajya-sabha-panel/952008/

Parliamentary Update: Lokpal Bill likely to come up in Rajya Sabha by 21 or 22 May

Lokpal Bill is likely to be taken up by Rajya Sabha either on Monday(21 may) or Tuesday (22 May) .
But Bill would be debated and discussed in its in amended form which includes deletion of the controversial provision for Lokayukta(state level Lokpal) creation and bringing more transparency in appointment of CBI chief. |Its bad to delete Lokayukta provision, because than states will be free to make an unregulated Lokayukta and such unregulated Lokayuktas which will be uneven and unequal in different states will weak down the overall structure of Lokpal. Moreover, there is no guarantee that states will always create a strong lokpal, e.g himachal prades Govt and Bihar Govt have created very weak Lokayuktas  and hence we would have to fight for a strong Lokpal in every state seperately!|(also see Toothles condituon of Present Lokayuktas created by states) 

• The government and the opposition have agreed the Lokayukta clause should be dropped from the Bill and a separate model law can be passed which can serve as a guideline for the state to form their own anti-graft law.

• The amended bill was widely speculated to be considered by the Cabinet today(may 17) but it did not happen with the sources saying it could be given post-facto approval after passage in the Rajya Sabha. 
• As far as bringing NGOs within the ambit of Lokpal is concerned, the government may agree to the opposition's suggestion that only government-funded NGOs be under the ombudsman's purview. 
• Once the Bill is passed by the Rajya Sabha with amendments, it will have to be sent back to the Lok Sabha for re-examination and approval because this is a different version than the one cleared earlier. 

Source:http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/lokpal-bill-likely-to-come-up-in-rajya-sabha-by-tuesday/articleshow/13228419.cms

Would like to have Gen VK Singh in our team: Anna Hazare

Anna Hazare during his Maharashtra tour in a press conference on May 12 said that he would welcome like-minded people like General VK Singh after his retirement as army chief to be a part of his team to fight corruption.
 "I am personally not inclined to ask or request anyone to join our agitation against corruption but we have fought two wars - one against Pakistan and the other against Bangladesh during my service in the Army, now we have to fight the enemy within us", he said.
He further said "And we need like minded people in our team and if interested, General VK Singh is welcome to join us after his retirement. It would be his choice",
"Anna's invite to General V K is most appropriate. Imagine if ex-servicemen join Anna they can become a formidable voice against corruption", Team Anna member Kiran Bedi tweeted on May 13 2012

Anna also said  that the government was unwilling to bring the Right to Information (RTI) Act into force, but had budged after several years of agitation and implemented it in Maharashtra in 2002, and it was later brought into force throughout the country.


Team Anna member Arvind Kejriwal while extending support to Gen Singh had said that they were sure that the Army chief will take a decision on what he will do after retirement on May 31.


Source:http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-05-13/india/31689428_1_anna-hazare-anti-corruption-crusader-arvind-kejriwal

Kejriwal threatens nationwide movement if Lokpal Bill not passed by May 22

Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday(may,12, 2012)  said If the Union government does not bring a strong Lokpal Bill by May 22 when the ongoing Parliament session ends,India Against Corruption (IAC) will launch another nationwide movement.


In Bhubaneswar to interact with India Against Corruption (IAC) volunteers here, Kejriwal said the biggest ever campaign will demand three things:

•  The Jan Lokpal Bill should be passed. 
• Any bill introduced in the Parliament and assemblies should first be referred to the gram sabhas and maholla sabhas for taking people's opinion.  The members of Parliament and assemblies should make their case based on the will of the people.
• Thirdly, the looting of land of poor farmers by corporate should stop. Land can be transferred only after written agreements by farmers elaborating the conditions thereof. 

There should be strong Lokayuktas in every state, he said further.He also said Members of Parliament have cheated people of the country by breaking their promise made in Parliament on August 27 last year. "To break Anna's fast they made tall promises. Now, the government is bringing a weak Lokpal, which will increase corruption. We totally reject it," Kejriwal said.


He said in the current central cabinet, 16 ministers have serious charges against them and if Jan Lokpal Bill is passed at least 12 ministers will be behind bars. This may be the reason why the current establishment does not want Jan Lokpal. There is a need for cleansing the political system, Kejriwal reiterated.He said that Odisha government has a very weak Lokpal, "I am told that 26 out of 30 reports of the Lokpal have not even been presented before the state assembly, let alone any action taken against the corrupt. Investigation report against Vedanta is one such report." (see toothless condition of Lokayuktas in sates )Kejriwal said after Lokpal, Team Anna will have focus on electoral reforms, including right to reject and right to recall. Besides law making can't be left to Parliament and assembly alone. "People should be consulted while making law. Our fight will be for direct democracy," he said.

Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/Kejriwal-threatens-nationwide-stir-if-Lokpal-Bill-not-passed-by-May-22/articleshow/13114600.cms

Lokpal bill to come up in Rajya Sabha next week ,UPDATE FLASH

NEWS ON May 9 2012

UPDATE FLASH s.no.one

• Lokpal Bill is likely to be discussed  again in Rajya Sabha next week.  

• Heeding demands from opposition parties and allies like Trinamool, The GOVT may drop the clause on setting up a Lokayukta in the states  A minister, however, said that discussions are still on with the political parties concerned to thrash out the differences. 
• Sources in the government say that a major change will be made to the bill to accommodate the objections of Mamata Banerjee, who is a member of the ruling coalition, but had opposed the proposed  legislation claiming that it violates the autonomy of state governments.  

•   Once the Bill is passed by the Rajya Sabha with amendments, it will have to be sent back to the Lok Sabha for re-examination and approval  because this is a different version than the one cleared earlier. 

Sources: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Government-may-drop-Lokayukta-clause-in-Lokpal-Bill/articleshow/13069474.cms
http://ibnlive.in.com/news/lokpal-bill-to-come-up-in-rajya-sabha-next-week/256045-37-64.html
http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/lokpal-bill-centre-gives-in-to-trinamools-demands-208494

Anna started his Maharashtra's Tour

Anna Hazare started his Maharashtra Tour for a strong Lokayukta Bill( state level Lokpal ) on Tuesday evening from Shirdi in north Maharashtra.

After seeking the blessings of Sai Baba and addressing a public rally at Shirdi in the evening,Hazare  hit the road, along with his group of supporters. Anna had specially chosen the Maharashtra day to embark upon his Statewide tour 
During his 36-day tour which will take him to 35 districts of the State, Hazare will address 60 public rallies.
Tour is aimed at creating awareness among the people about the need for a strong Lokayukta legislation in the State. 
Hazare began his tour of the State, less than a week after he met leaders of various political parties in the State — excepting Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray who refused to meet him, and submitted them the copies of the draft Lokayukta Bill prepared by Team Anna. 

Hazare’s tour should be seen in the light of the fact that Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan has not given him any commitment as to when his Government would introduce the Bill. 
“I feel that the office of Lokayukta will not be included in the Lokpal Bill. I had written to Centre to enact a model law of Lokayukta so that all States can adopt their own act as per the model law. The Centre is favourable to the model law proposal ..However if the model law also does not come out, we will begin the process of enacting a strong Lokayukta here,” the Prithviraj Chavan had said.

Schedule:-

• During the first phase of his tour, Hazare will cover the districts of Marathwada, from where he will head to Vidarbha region. Subsequently, he will travel through the districts of north Maharashtra, from where he will proceed to western Maharashtra and Konkan.
• Hazare  would undertake a tour of Maharashtra from May 1 to mobilise public opinion on the issue of having a strong "Lokayukta" in every state.  
• After Maharashtra tour he will start his countrywide tour by the end of June.
• Ramdev will also perform a countrywide tour, however this will not be joint to Anna's tour.
• Ramdev and Anna may share stage whenever needed or  when they meet during their tours

Source: http://dailypioneer.com/nation/62016-lokayukta-call-anna-starts-maharashtra-tour-with-shirdi-visit.html

What Kalam Said is directly proportional to What Anna wanted (short analysis )

Both the people Kalam and Hazare are correct in their views, Kalam's view that Lokpal can't clean the corruption in the minds and heart of people until people they " make their homes corruption-free by preventing indulgence in corruption by any member of the family"
And Anna's Lokpal is also needed because people will not stop taking or giving bribes until there is some legal support to public and legal hammer for corrupt officer! 
Both statements are correct and actually directly proportional to each other but the need to understand them correctly..

Lokpal will only fill the jails: APJ Kalam

 Former president APJ Abdul Kalam Today( May 2, 2012)  while interacting with children in Ranchi said that lokpal will only do the work of filling culprits into jails.
And he doubted this manner of crumbling corruption saying that  "What we want is nobody should go to jail ... as we want good human beings," .  He advised the children there to make their homes corruption-free by preventing indulgence in corruption by any member of the family. 

"What Lokpal will do is if it finds anyone guilty it would put them in jail, and jails will be filled up. What we want is nobody should go to jail ... as we want good human beings," Dr Kalam said. 

While iteracting

REPLIES to Dr Kalam :- 

1. Anna Hazare responded to Dr. Kalam saying  "I agree that corruption can be weeded out if value education is imparted to children, but it will take at least 22 years. In short term, we need Jan Lokpal to boot out corruption," Hazare said.
2. He also said  "What he (Kalam) said is correct. I have also been saying that every family must become a unit of moral values. It will take over 22 years to see the effect of the virtues children have learnt from their families. However, that is a long-term solution, in short term, we need a first-aid to stop corruption,"
3. On twitter, Ms Bedi responded to Dr Kalam's comments. She wrote: "Dr Kalam takes socio-moral route to root out corruption. Effective system is a fusion of educating-prevention+effective legal deterrence!"

Editor's View: Both the people Kalam and Hazare are correct in their views, Kalam's view that Lokpal can't clean the corruption in the minds and heart of people until people they " make their homes corruption-free by preventing indulgence in corruption by any member of the family"
And Anna's Lokpal is also needed because people will not stop taking or giving bribes until there is some legal support to public and legal hammer  for corrupt officer! 

Both statements are correct and actually directly proportional to each other but the need to understand them correctly..

Source:http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Maharashtra/Kalam-s-method-will-take-22-years-Lokpal-Bill-need-of-the-hour-Hazare/Article1-849640.aspx

http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/lokpal-will-only-fill-the-jails-kalam-205153

http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-05-01/news/31528239_1_jails-lokpal-apj-kalam