By IANS,
New Delhi: Social activist Anna Hazare, who broke his vow of silence Friday, said if the Jan Lokpal bill is not passed in the winter session of parliament, Team Anna would campaign against the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government in the upcoming assembly elections in five states.
“The government’s intentions about a strong Lokpal bill are not clear. If they will not pass the Jan Lokpal bill in the winter session, then I along with other members will campaign against the government,” Hazare told reporters after breaking his 19-day maun vrat at Rajghat here.
The 74-year-old anti-corruption crusader said the government should follow the model of the Uttarakhand Lokayukta.
“It is a wonderful bill and I congratulate the state for taking a daring decision. I am hopeful that the scenario will change in Uttarakhand soon and poor people will see justice in the state,” he said.
Team Anna held discussions on the provisions of the bill ahead of their meeting Friday with the parliamentary standing committee that is examining the Lokpal bill.
Hazare said the government is trying to weaken the bill by bringing separate bills for a citizens’ charter and to protect whistleblowers.
Parliament’s winter session will run Nov 22-Dec 21.