Anna Hazare begins hunger strike demanding Lokpal and Lokayuktas

Guwahati: Demanding the formation of a Lokpal at the centre and Lokayuktas in the states, social activist Anna Hazare has begun his hunger strike once again. The social activist, this time, has sat for the hunger strike in his own village Ralegan Siddhi in Maharashtra. Before this, in December last year, Hazare had announced his agitation by saying that was wrong to trust the “lies” of the BJP-led government at the Centre.

In October 2018 only, Hazare had threatened of a hunger strike but had called it off as Maharashtra Minister Girish Mahajan had met him on behalf of the BJP government and discussed the issue promising him to reach a solution.

Hazare had also written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi dated January 28 wherein he has stated that a hunger strike will be launched by him on Wednesday as his demands have not been fulfilled.

Anna Hazare said, “Nine months have passed, yet the demands have not been fulfilled. Hence, I will be on hunger strike in my village Ralegan Siddhi on January 30.” He also added, “It has been five years since the Lokpal Act was passed. Yet the Narendra Modi government has not appointed Lokpal. Lokayukta Act has not been passed in Maharashtra for four years.”

Like the last time, this time as well, Mahajan attempted to convince Hazare and cancel his agitation. The minister said that his demands were being fulfilled and hence, there is no ground for him to stage another strike.

Notably, it was in December 2013 when the Lokpal and Lokayukta Act was enacted and accordingly, the government at the Centre and state had to constitute a body to deal with complaints relating to corruption. However, that has not happened yet. The social activist has, thus, refused to call off his strike until the Lokayukta Act is implemented. He added, “The agitation will go on until the act is in place.”

The Supreme Court has also given a deadline of February-end for the search committee in order to send a panel of names who could be considered for the appointment as chairman and members of Lokpal. The appointments will be done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led selection committee.

Also read: ‘Rafale Would Not Have Happened If Lokpal Was Implemented’ Says Anna Hazare