Anna threatens 'Jail Bharo' from Jan 1

Anna threatens 'Jail Bharo' from Jan 1

Launching a virtual war on the government which failed to reach a consensus with the opposition
on a proposed ombudsman to fight corruption, Hazare said the need for a powerful Lokpal was a
national cry.

Hazare said if time was an issue, then the winter session of parliament, scheduled to end Dec
22, should be extended.

Hazare added that there would be an indefinite fast either in Mumbai or Delhi from Dec 27.
Besides, protests would be staged outside MPs' houses. The crusader said Delhi is the first
option, but the agitation could be shifted to Mumbai if the national capital sees bitter cold.

Social activist Anna Hazare, who has threatened to go on an indefinite fast from December 27
if the Lokpal Bill is not passed during the winter session of Parliament, has also planned a
jail bharo andolan from January 1. Members of India Against Corruption would stage dharnas
outside the residences of MPs who opposed the Jan Lokpal Bill in Parliament, he said on Thursday.
If the Bill was passed then, they would present flowers, among others, to Congress president Sonia
Gandhi and general secretary Rahul Gandhi. If not, Mr. Hazare would protest outside their residences.

The draft legislation is expected to be considered by the Union Cabinet early next week, either
on Sunday or Monday, after the Prime Minister returns from Moscow on Saturday. It could then be
introduced in Parliament on December 20 or 21.