NEW DELHI: Thousands of people joined veteran social activist Anna Hazare in Jantar Mantar in central Delhi on Tuesday as he began his "fast unto death to press for a stronger graft-versus Lokpal bill through greater civil society participation in its drafting.
India waving flags and banners in support of a law against corruption more effective, supporters gathered at Rajghat Memorial to Mahatma Gandhi on Tuesday morning, where Hazare made his homage to Mahatma before starting the hunger strike. Supporters also jammed the India Gate and Jantar Mantar, as the activist finally sat down fast.
"I'm leaving quickly because we want the representation of civil society in drafting the bill Lokpal, 50 percent of civil society and 50 percent of the government. If the systems of government the bill without the participation of the people, there will be democracy, is the bureaucracy, "Hazare told reporters before embarking on his fast at Jantar Mantar.
The Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today expressed "deep disappointment" Hazare's decision to proceed with the planned hunger strike, but said he had a tremendous respect for the worker and his mission.
However, Hazare said that if he respected Prime Minister, who should have met with the activists.
"The prime minister says I have faith and respect for you ... why not sit for the debate even for a day with us?" the Magsaysay awardee said.
Hazare, who had announced an indefinite hunger strike for over a month, has been demanding the representation of civil society in drafting the bill Lokpal against corruption.
Although the activists failed to meet the Prime Minister, his meeting with a ministerial committee formed to study the bill failed to resolve the impasse because the government did not accept their demand to include members of civil society in drafting of legislation.
Hazare Jantar Mantar of followers included people from all walks of life, from students to professionals and activists.
"I'm here because Anna is risking his life to make the country free of corruption," said Ramesh Rajpal, who arrived at Jantar Mantar in Gurgaon to support the hunger strike.
Most people who joined the demonstration also seen quickly.
"If we can get to the streets to celebrate the victory of the World Cup, why not get out to support Anna. It is a struggle for the country to clean," said the student at the University of Delhi Srikant Jaiswal.
Accompanying Hazare include Right to Information (RTI) activist Arvind Kejriwal and former police officer Kiran Bedi high.
Reject the bill Lokpal prepared by the government as a toothless law, activists are demanding that the government adopt the Lokpal Jan alternative bill drafted by activist Arvind Kejriwal, former Supreme Court Justice Santosh Hegde, lawyers and senior Prashant Bhushan.
Jan Lokpal The bill, which has been prepared after extensive consultations among activists and ordinary people across the country, calls for the establishment of ombudsmen - Lokpal and Lokayuktas (in the states) - independent of government control In order to control corruption in public life.
Activists say the research conducted by the ombudsman should be completed within one year and must have a minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
The government's version, however, recommended a prison sentence of at least six months and a maximum penalty of seven years for corruption.
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