Shout out political leaders by Hazare incorrect: RJD

Chandigarh, Apr 7: The shouting out of political leaders such as O P Chautala and Uma Bharti by social activist Anna Hazare's supporters at Jantar Mantar in the capital yesterday was today (Apr 7) described as "inappropriate" by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and MP Raghuvansh Prasad Singh.

"The shouting out of Chautala and Uma was not appropriate in democracy...they went to lend their support to Hazare...by doing such acts the country cannot progress," Prasad told reporters here.

As support from the civil society grew for Hazare's campaign, political leaders including O P Chautala and Uma Bharti went to the protest site in New Delhi yesterday to make common cause with the social activist and share the dais with him, but were shouted out by his supporters.

As a consequence, they had to make a hasty retreat. The fast-unto-death by 72-year-old Hazare continues at Jantar Mantar in the national capital.

Hazare is demanding enactment of a strong anti-corruption bill to give wider powers to the Ombudsman. He is pressing for formation of a joint committee comprising 50 per cent government representatives and 50 per cent citizens and intellectuals to draft the Bill.

Meanwhile, Prasad demanded the re-organisation of the erstwhile ''Chamar Regiment'' in the Indian Army which was in operation during the British rule and later disbanded.

"When there can be Regiments in the Army in the name of certain communities, including Rajputs, Sikhs, Dogra, Jat and Mahar, why cannot the Chamar Regiment be re-organised," he questioned.

Chamar Regiment, which was involved in the Pacific War, was officially created in 1943 and disbanded in 1946.

He also sought the status of freedom fighters for two jawans of the Chamar Regiment, including Jogi Ram (Bhiwani) and Dharam Singh (Sonepat), who had spent several years behind bars. Both are in their 90's now.

He said that the Chamars, comprising 13 crore population of the country, will launch a movement to press for their welfare. Later, Prasad honoured the two jawans at a function here.

PTI