RALEGAN SIDDHI (MAHARASHTRA): Social activist and anti-graft crusader Anna Hazare broke his fast on ninth day after the Lok Sabha passed the historic Jan Lokpal Bill today.
Seventy-six-year-old Gandhian broke his fast after consuming a glass of fruit juice offered to him by school children. Mr Hazare, who was on idefinite fast at his native place Ralegan Siddhi for last eight days, was emotional as he clapped with joy after the lower house of parliament passed the Jan Lokpal Bill.
After seeing the proceedings of the house on TV, he stood up and waived the natioal flag and raised slogans ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ and Vande Mataram’. Around 500 volunters and supporters of Mr Hazare raised similar slogans as the villagers started celebrating the passage of Bill in Lok Sabha by bursting firecrackers.
Anna’s close aide Kira Bidi and former Army chief Gen V K Sing also joined in the celebrations.
Mr Hazare thanked all political parties and members of parliament, except Samajwadi Party (SP), who voted in favour of the Bill and passed it in both the houses of parliament.
He said ‘Our leaders have now realized that people want a legislation against corruption. I will not say the law will end 100 per cent corruption, but it will definitely bring it down by 50 per cent.’
All Government officers from class I to IV will be under the purview of the Lokpal, who will have more teeth to unearth and prevent big scams, Mr Hazare added. (AGENCIES)
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