Anna Hazare launches Janatantra Morcha

Patna, Jan 30: Anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare on Wednesday announced formation of an apolitical outfit Janatantra Morcha to work for 'change of system' and warned the UPA government that it 'must fear' being ousted from power if it did not bring a strong Lokpal bill. Announcing the formation of Janatantra Morcha at the historic Gandhi Maidan during a rally - the first since he parted ways with his former aide Arvind Kejriwal, Hazare said it would not contest any polls but serve the people 'without any allurement of power or related benefits'.

He called upon the gathering to join the new outfit for Azadi ki dusri ladai (second freedom struggle) and realise the dream of a political system that would cater to the aspirations of all. The UPA government, he said, was scared of losing power on the Lokpal Bill if it went by the draft given the civil society that seeks autonomy for CBI and CVC, besides other stern measures.

"The public sentiments should be taken into account in drafting legislations, but the government is not doing so out of fear .... " he said and cautioned that the government that it 'must fear' being ousted by the people it did not bring a strong Lokpal bill. Congress president Sonia Gandhi had written a letter to Hazare recently and sent it to his Rale Sidhi village home assuring him that the Lokpal Bill, which he is campaigning for, would be passed in the coming budget session of Parliament which commences in the second half of next month.

He flayed the political class for their disconnect with the masses and their sentiments and said various legislations enacted by Parliament did not represent the public view. "Parliament must make laws, but the same should represent public views." Hazare, however, said the Lokpal Bill was not a panacea to remove corruption from polity and society in totality, but by 50-60 per cent.

PTI