IAC decides not to accept donations in protest venues

Mumbai, Dec 27: With anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare all set to embark on the three-day fast for a strong Lokpal Bill, there were considerable queries raised on the flow of funds to the massive campaign launched against the Centre. This is the third attempt to take on the government over the anti-corruption ombudsman and literally pressurizing the government to pass the landmark resolution.

The only difference this time around is that, unlike previous campaigns in April and August, Team Anna will not accept donations on the grounds, either in Delhi or Mumbai. With parallel protest being carried out across various parts in India, prominent among them being the Ramlila Maidan in Delhi. Ram Kumar Jha, an India Against Corruption (IAC) volunteer, in-charge of logistics at the Ramlila Maidan has been quoted as saying, "We are going to display boards stating that we are not accepting any donations this time."

During the previous leg of protests both in April and August at the Jantar Mantar and Ramlila Maidan respectively, Team Anna had welcomed donations from the public that had emerged at the protest venue. It was reported that they collected donations ranging from Rs 21 to Rs 25 lakh.

Media reports stated that in August, approximately Rs 2.52 crore were collected in donations. With logistics and other administrative expenditure deducted, the IAC was left with Rs 94 lakh in excess.

In order to portray a more organized method of carrying out the protest, Team Anna has decided on a time slot for the fast itself. Key Team Anna member, Prashant Bhushan commented, "We are going to ask people to stay at the Ramlila grounds only between 10 am and 6 pm."

The relay fast being carried out at the Ramlila Maidan will see the participation of Prashant Bhushan, Shanti Bhushan, Gopal Rai, Sunita Godhara and Navin Jaihind.

OneIndia News