Accept Jan Lokpal Bill or Face Agitation: India

CHENNAI:  The Chennai branch of India Against Corruption (IAC), on Wednesday, demanded that the Centre pass the Jan Lokpal Bill.“We want the Cabinet to pass the civil society version of the Bill failing which we will go on an indefinite fast and even to jail on August 16, if necessary,” said Chandra Mohan, a volunteer with IAC, Chennai.“Our message to the public is that a revolution has begun so it should go on. Let us stop thinking and take to the streets to protest for a stronger anti-corruption bill. Only then will our country be free from corruption,” said Jahir, a businessman and volunteer.  Commenting on the government’s description of Anna Hazare’s fast as a threat, Upendran, a volunteer said, “It is wrong to state that Anna Hazare is threatening the government by fasting. He is protesting in a non-violent manner. It is not undemocratic. Even Mahatma Gandhi used it as a tool during his struggle for independence.”The Lokpal joint drafting committee which met one last time on Tuesday could not resolve the differences that have dogged the draft bill. The six disputative issues, including bringing the prime minister and the higher judiciary within the ambit of the Lokpal, still remain.Still, both sides will present their versions of the Lokpal Bill before the Union Cabinet which will decide whether to merge the two drafts or drop one in favour of the other.