By IANS,
New Delhi : Veteran social activist Anna Hazare wrote to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Wednesday that he was pained at the government’s reaction to his fast-unto-death to press for a stronger anti-graft bill, and stressed that no one was “instigating” him to protest.”This is an insult to my sense of wisdom and intelligence. I am not a kid that I could be ‘instigated’ into going on an indefinite fast. I am a fiercely independent person. I take advice from many friends and critics but do what my conscience directs me to do,” Hazare wrote in his letter.
“I am pained that the government, rather than addressing the issue of corruption, is trying to allege conspiracies when there are none,” he added.
The activist mentioned that so far, every government has shown complete insensitivity and lack of political commitment in tackling corruption.
“62 years after independence, we still do not have independent and effective anti-corruption systems. Very weak versions of Lokpal Bill were presented in parliament eight times in the last 42 years. Even these weak versions were not passed,” the letter added.
At a time when the country has witnessed scams of unprecedented scale, the impatience of the entire country is justified, he added.
Hazare also expressed his apprehension about the Group of Ministers which is drafting the anti-corruption law.
“If effective anti-corruption systems had been in place, some of them (ministers) would have been behind bars. Do you want us to have faith in a process in which some of the most corrupt people of this country should draft the anti-corruption law?” he asked.
He advised the prime minister not to mislead the country by saying that he (Hazare) and his supporters were shunning dialogue.
“Tell me a single meeting when you called us and we did not come. We strongly believe in dialogue and engagement,” Hazare said.
Later, speaking to reporters, Hazare said he would be happy if he died for a noble cause. He also taunted the prime minister by saying that he was being controlled by a remote.
“The PM is a good man, not corrupt, but this remote control is causing problems. People who do not have power cannot take decisions, which is the case with our PM,” he said.
When asked about the solution to the menace of corruption, Hazare said that youth should enter politics and change the system.
“I am happy to see so many youngsters present here, it gives me strength. The youth should enter politics and work for the betterment,” said Hazare.
Hazare, 72, went on a “fast unto death” here Tuesday to demand a stronger, more comprehensive Lokpal (ombudsman) Bill to fight corruption in public life.
Hazare, who has named his fast the “second Satyagraha” on the lines of the movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi against the British rulers, has been joined by thousands of supporters all across the country and abroad.