‘Won’t return to state until Lokpal Bill passed’

Social activist Anna Hazare has vowed not to return to Maharashtra till the Lokpal Bill is introduced and approved in Parliament. He announced this at a rally in Nare Park,Parel,on Sunday.

Terming the decision as his “protest against corruption” Hazare said the lack of a stringent act has made it easier for those who get involved in “corruption conspiracies”,as it gets difficult to prosecute them. “The Lokpal Bill would punish the culprits severely for corruption,” Hazare said.

Hazare has been demanding a stronger Jan Lokpal Bill that would allow action against corruption. Hazare has urged Mumbaiites to support the Jan Lokpal Bill and asked people to observe a day’s fast on April 5. The Jan Lokpal Bill,drafted by the activist,seeks to make the body independent and gives more teeth for prosecution compared to the government drafted Bill. Hazare is going to Delhi and will launch a hunger strike to press the demand.