Kiran Bedi meets Anna Hazare, vows to join fast from Saturday

Zee Media Bureau

Ralegan Siddhi: Social activist Anna Hazare’s indefinite fast for Jan Lokpal Bill entered second day on Wednesday. Anna has said that he won`t buckle under government pressure and this time it will be a do or die situation. Meanwhile, social activist and former IPS officer Kiran Bedi arrived here and met Anna. She later announced that she would also sit on fast with Anna from Saturday. The anti-corruption crusader started his fast-unto-death yesterday to press for immediate passage of Jan Lokpal Bill in Parliament even as Government said it was serious about getting the anti- graft measure passed in the current session itself. The Jan Lokpal Bill, also referred to as the Citizen`s Ombudsman Bill, is an anti-corruption legislation drafted by civil society activists, seeking appointment of an independent panel to investigate cases of corruption. "If Government tries to forcibly break my indefinite fast, I`ll stop drinking water too," he said adding, "I will not fall for Government’s false promises this time." Anna said time has come for the UPA government to deliver on its promise or quit. Govt wants early passage of Lokpal Bill: Shinde The government wants the Lokpal bill to be taken up on priority in the winter session of Parliament, Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said on Tuesday. Replying to queries from reporters here, Shinde said the government was keen that the bill should be taken up early. Minister of State for Personnel V Narayanasamy, who has piloted the bill in the Rajya Sabha, blamed opposition for not allowing to run the House where the bill could be taken up. "As far as the Lokpal bill is concerned I have given notice to Chairman Rajya Sabha for taking up the Lokpal Bill. ...Government is taking all sincere step to pass the Lokpal bill," he told reporters in Delhi. Talking to reporters outside Parliament House, Narayanasamy said the Government has accepted some of the recommendations given by Select Committee of Rajya Sabha. The controversial bill, which was passed by the Lok Sabha, faced opposition hurdle in the Rajya Sabha on various provisions, including the one making it mandatory for states to set up Lokayuktas. In view of the sharp divide, the bill was referred to the Select Committee. "We have accepted some of the recommendations given by them (the Select Committee). The Government is ready to debate and discuss and then to pass the Lokpal Bill," Narayanasamy said.