Chandigarh: The shouting out of political
leaders such as OP Chautala and Uma Bharti by social activist
Anna Hazare`s supporters at Jantar Mantar in the capital
yesterday was on Thursday 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 OP 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
