New Delhi, April 20: Yoga guru Ramdev and social activist Anna Hazare on Friday declared joint campaign against corruption and black money. They have decided to together go on a one-day fast at Jantar Mantar here on June 3 to press their demands.Addressing a joint press conference at Gurgaon, they charged the government with being scared of getting back black money stashed in safe havens abroad and of accepting the Jan Lokpal Bill drafted by members of Indian Against Corruption (IAC) movement.
The government had formed last year a joint drafting panel with a few members of the IAC to arrive at an understanding on a draft Bill against corruption. The Jan Lokpal Bill was discussed but ultimately the government draft of Lokpal Bill was sent to Parliament and referred to the Standing Committee. Team Anna had accused the government of ``betrayal’’ for not sending their draft for consideration of Parliament as had been assured to them during joint drafting panel meetings.
Criticising the government draft of the Lokpal Bill, Mr. Hazare said it was ``weak and ineffective’’. In contrast the Jan Lokpal Bill was strong and could deliver he declared. ``If the Jan Lokpal Bill were to come half the ministers would be in jail,’’ he added.
The social activist said corruption was so deep-rooted that most of the development funds did not reach those for whom they were meant.
Seeking a Lokayukta Bill in Maharashtra, Mr. Hazare said he will soon meet the deputy Chief Minister of the state on the issue. From May 1 he will tour the entire state to ``awaken people against corruption’’.
Reiterating that the IAC did not want the government to fall, he said ``if it does not listen to people, then it will fall’’.
Baba Ramdev declared his own plans to tour the country but said they will join hands against corruption and black money and have a joint campaign at some places.
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