Anna Hazare Fast Unto Death For Stronger Lok Pal Bill

In an attempt to put pressure on the UPA government, the social activist Anna Hazare threatened to go on a fast unto death from April 5 till the government enacts the Lok Pal Bill. Mr Hazare wants the government to involve his campaign in the drafting of the controversial legislation. However, the Congress party appeared unfazed by Mr Hazare's plans to press for a stronger Lok Pal Bill to check corruption.

While the government Bill allows complaints against legislators only through the Lok Sabha Speaker and the Rajya Sabha Chairman, the activists want a provision for direct appeal to the Lok Pal. The social activists demand for a provision under which they can make direct appeal to the Lok Pal in order to allow complaints against legislators.

The Magsaysay Award winner activist Kisan Baburao Hazare, popularly known as Anna Hazare, wants to bring the judiciary, legislature and the executive, including the Prime Minister's Office, under the ambit of the Lok Pal. But the Sonia Gandhi led National Advisory Council who heard civil society concerns on the issue is stated to be reluctant and this has led Anna Hazare to go on a fast unto death from April 5 till the government enacts the Bill.