Anna Hazare at Guwahati

Social activist Anna Hazare was on Friday 20th May 2011, 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. Around 15,000 people from all walks of life and different parts of the state had congregated to listen to Hazare.

Anna Hazare today appealed to the youths of the country to radiate positive energy against corruption and take active part in anti-corruption crusade, which he terms as the “movement for real independence”.

He also advocated the need for a change in the election system demanding the ‘right to reject’ privilege for the voters while exercising their franchise.

“The country achieved its freedom in 1947 ousting the colonial rule but corruption continued to prevail. The only change was that the black has replaced the white,” said the Gandhian who is spearheading anti-graft movement across the country demanding implementation of the Jan Lokpal Bill, the draft of which is being prepared by a joint committee.

“This is just the beginning of the second independence movement of the country. It is a long battle we need to fight and in pursuit of a corruption-free society, we should not even fear to go to jail. If require, we would launch Jail Bharo Andolan. This is how we can serve the nation and humanity as a whole,” said Hazare.

Advocating the need to rest more power on Gram Sabha in Assam and rest of the country, he said he would replicate anti-corruption movement across the country.

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.

Bedi also threw her weight behind the appointment of Lokayukta in Assam, which she feels will ensure development with security and peace.

“As per a recent research, only Rs16 out of Rs100 is being spent on the people. We need 100 per cent accountability,” Bedi said, adding, “Even bureaucrats would be encompassed by the Bill.”

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.

“Within two years, the trial of any corruption charge would be completed and necessary action will be taken. Provisions are also there to guard the interest of the complainants,” Kejriwal said, while throwing light on the provisions of the Lokpal Bill.

“We do not think the Government will easily approve the Bill but we are committed to fight it out,” he asserted.

Swami Agnivesh said, "It is not enough to draft the Jan Lokpal Bill but to have it passed before August 15 for a new freedom movement.

KMSS general secretary and peasant leader Akhil Gogoi also spoke on the occasion.

Akhil Gogoi spoke about the downfall of Assam specially the poor section in the recent years. He urged all the farmers to be self dependent and learn to fight for their rights.

Deepanjalee Dutta